The McGowan Government has extended its support for farmer-led agricultural research and development by providing the Grower Group Alliance with an investment of $2.58 million for over two years.
The investment adds to the Alliance’s initial foundational funding, which serves as a critical catalyst for innovation and advancements that increase the productivity and profitability of growers across Grainbelt.
“The State Government’s investment into funding and people has seen this Alliance create great returns for farmers, and we are pleased to extend it for two more years until 2025,” Minister for Agriculture and Food Alannah MacTiernan said.
According to the State Government, the agreement continues to rely on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) expertise and resources, aiming to ensure targeted investments with higher returns.
“I am pleased to see how the Grower Group Alliance has grown into such a force for WA research, collaborating effectively with DPIRD on trials and projects, while attracting public and private sector investment from across Australia for other initiatives,” Minister MacTiernan stated.
Since its founding in 2019, the Alliance has arranged for over $50 million in cash and in-kind investment in research, extension, and adoption projects across grains, livestock, horticulture, pastoral, and digital data analysis.
Alliance is also implementing the Australian Government’s South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub to speed up innovation and the adoption of drought-resistant practices that support flourishing producers.
From Kununurra to Albany, the Grower Group Alliance now includes more than 60 grower groups, representing over 4000 broadacre, irrigated agriculture, and pastoral enterprises.
The Alliance also collaborates closely with DPIRD on initiatives such as the South West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and the Future Drought Fund’s WaterSmart Dams project with The University of Western Australia.
“I look forward to seeing the GGA continue to grow from strength-to-strength, as well as its contribution to the growth, resilience, sustainability, and profitability of our important agricultural sector,” Minister MacTiernan said.
