Three horticultural businesses selected for WA’s Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative

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The Western Australian Government has allocated more than 270 hectares of prime land in Carnarvon, paving the way for a significant expansion of horticulture production in the Gascoyne region.

Under the Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative, three horticulture businesses have been selected as successful proponents and will be granted leases to develop six parcels of land.

The successful proponents for land include Fruitico, a large table grape producer based in the Peel region; Durmo Quality Produce, a local melon producer based in Carnarvon; and 4 Ways Fresh, a South Australian company with horticulture operations in Geraldton.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said proponents were selected following a competitive open market process and have each been offered a three-year development lease, with an option for freehold tenure subject to completion of development activities.

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“Building scale of production in Carnarvon is absolutely critical to the long-term sustainability of horticulture in Carnarvon,” the Minister continued.

“New large growers in the district will help to develop industry leadership.

“We’ve worked hard to deliver this prime land to the market, and we welcome these new operators to the district.”

Lands Minister Tony Buti said the proponents propose to diversify and expand their businesses by growing table grapes, rockmelon and watermelon, as well as zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant and capsicum to supply export and domestic markets.

“This Stage Two land sale is the final milestone in the Government’s Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative, which will increase horticultural production in the Carnarvon region and assist in our future food security,” Mr Buti stated.

“Once operational, these three new business developments will boost production and expand domestic and export market opportunities for Western Australian fresh produce.

“They will be significant contributors to the long-term economic and horticultural strength of Carnarvon and the wider Gascoyne region.”

Image credit: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/assessment-agricultural-expansion/gascoyne-food-bowl-initiative