$2.4m boost for grains R&D in WA

Grain industry research and development will receive an additional $24 million in funding from the McGowan government, making up a total of $45 million, to help battle increasing competition from overseas producers.

Western Australia exports 85% of its grains and the industry is worth around $6 billion each year. However, the threat from international competition has prompted an injection of funding to help drive growth and keep WA at the forefront of the industry.

"Strong farm businesses are absolutely critical for regional economies and jobs, but our grain farmers are facing unprecedented competition from producers in the Black Sea and Argentina," explained Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan.

"We need strong government investment in agricultural research and development to stay ahead of the game; our $45 million investment will give WA's job-creating grain industry the support it needs to move up the value chain and stay competitive."

In 2018–19, $4 million will be invested to ensure current programs are continued, on top of $10 million per year to support a long-term model for the sustainable delivery of applied grains R&D.

Overall, it will be used to leverage co-investment from the federal government and other funding sources for a new cropping systems research program, genetics and crop protection projects, grain market research, and university and private sector grants.

"This funding will help the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development retain and build its renowned excellence in grains research, and will bring tangible benefits for grain producers on the ground in regional WA," said MacTiernan.

The new $11.5 million Grains Research Facility at Northam is also expected to help boost the state’s existing regional grains research capacity.

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