The WA Government is backing Western Australian farmers with $24 million of new investment in research and development (R&D) to drive growth, and keep the State’s grain industry internationally competitive.
This investment provides $10 million per year to underpin a long-term model for the sustainable delivery of applied grains research and development, in partnership with the Federal Government and other funding sources.
An additional $4 million investment in 2018-19 will provide a short-term grains R&D boost to ensure critical programs and capacity are continued.
Western Australia is a world leader in grains production and research but with accelerating competition from Black Sea and Argentinian producers, WA’s grain industry must continue to grow and boost its productivity.
The $45 million investment will be used to leverage co-investment from the Federal Government and other sources for:
- A new cropping systems research program;
- Genetics and crop protection projects;
- Grain product quality and market research; and
- Capacity building including university and private sector R&D grants.
WA is the biggest grain producer in Australia, exporting more than 85 per cent of its production. Even after a tough growing season in 2017-18, WA produced more than 14 million tonnes of the total Australian winter crop of 37 million – or 39 per cent.
Source: WA Government
