The Western Australian (WA) Government is working with the Aboriginal community to help them become a significant supplier in meeting the growing demand for plants for revegetation projects.
Last Friday’s forum brought Aboriginal businesses together to discuss ways to meet the rising demand for native seeds and plants for carbon farming sequestration, the WA Government stated.
In a statement, the State Government said a grant program would be developed to help new, established Aboriginal businesses become more competitive, accelerating enterprise growth and supply chain alliances.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan told the Seed and Nursery Industry Forum for Aboriginal Organisations forum that $250,000 would be allocated to foster opportunities for Aboriginal seed and nursery suppliers.
“Native seed and plant propagation is obviously an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal enterprises,” Minister MacTiernan stated.
The forum drew participants from the agricultural region’s established and up-and-coming landowners, seed and seedling suppliers, and nursery companies, the State Government said.
The Government added that the Aboriginal community is well positioned to meet the growing demand for native seeds and plants, driven by an increase in interest and investment in land regeneration and carbon farming, given its ties to the land and long history in sustainable land management.
“With many Aboriginal groups taking ownership of land as part of native title settlements, they are well placed to be part of a rapidly growing industry, and as revegetation projects are healing country, it is an enterprise that sits well with Aboriginal stewardship of country principals,” Minister MacTiernan said.
A site visit to the Boola Boornap native tree farm nursery, awarded a Round 4 Regional Economic Development Grant by the Wheatbelt Development Commission, was part of the forum.
“Experts from academia, government and industry contributed to this journey last Friday, as we worked together to produce the best business, environmental and social outcomes for Aboriginal, farming, and regional communities,” the Minister said.
A panel discussion with industry representatives will be led by Minister MacTiernan, exploring the challenges and opportunities facing Aboriginal enterprises in becoming preferred suppliers for carbon and land restoration initiatives.
“Experts from industry, science and government are contributing to discussions to give Aboriginal enterprises the best chance of success,” Minister MacTiernan added.
Sessions on accelerating business development to increase supply while meeting accreditation and customer requirements were also included in the agenda for the day.
