Seven WA agrifood exporters receive grants to access Asia’s premium export markets

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Image credit: agric.wa.gov.au

West Australian Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Lewis announced that seven WA-based agrifood businesses will share in more than $1.4 million in business grants under the Department’s $6 million Asian Market Success project.

Image credit: agric.wa.gov.au
Image credit: agric.wa.gov.au

Announcing the grant awards, Mr Lewis said the funding will help facilitate access to the growing premium export market of Asia.

“The successful projects were independently assessed, looking at export growth capacity and sustainability; new opportunities for Western Australian products in high-value Asian markets; and the positive impact on regional communities and the wider economy,” Mr Lewis said.

“The Grants for Asian Market Export have been distributed across a number of industries in the agrifood sector, including livestock; grains; seafood; and horticulture, and will have potential flow-on benefits for several regions in Western Australia.”

Adertisement

One of the grant recipients – Harvey Beef – intends to promote WA’s reputation for safe, high-quality products and create brand value for the state in targeted premium markets, establishing the Harvey Beef brand as a premium choice in Asia.

Milne Agrigroup Pty Ltd through Mount Barker Free Range Farms will use the funds to capture market share in premium Asian outlets, with a view to generate sustainable market positions based on ethically produced products with WA provenance.

The grants are part of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Asian Market Success project, which is a component of the $350 million comprehensive Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture initiative made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the grants provide strategic support to WA agribusinesses to enter or expand their presence in competitive Asian premium markets.

“They will generate important long-term benefits to regional communities and the State,” the Minister added.

The second round of grants for Asian Market Export will open on October 24, 2016, and will close on November 25, 2016.

The full list of grant recipients under Round One of the Asian Market Export program is available here.