- Cook Government's $2 million Farmers' Market Grant Scheme now open
- Grants of up to $50,000 to help farmers' markets grow in an Australian-first
- Funding backs WA's agrifood sector and local tourism, supporting job creation
Western Australian farmers' markets can apply for grants of up to $50,000 in an Australian-first funding program developed by the Cook Government.
The Cook Government's Farmers' Market Grant Scheme is now open, with funding on offer to assist farmers' markets with business operations and sustainability.
Farmers' markets operate across the State, helping farmers and specialty food and beverage producers to engage directly with customers and showcase in-season, local produce.
The one-off grants can be applied for by existing farmers' markets or for the development of new farmers' markets.
The program supports the upskilling of farmers' market operators through a fully funded one-day course developed and delivered by the Western Australian Farmers' Markets Association to improve operational performance and business sustainability.
Stage two of the program allows for operators to apply for grants up to $50,000 to assist with infrastructure, planning and compliance, marketing and communications and market development.
The Farmers' Market Grant Scheme builds on the Cook Government's investment in WA's value-added industry through the successful Value Add Investment Grants, Agrifood and Beverage Voucher program and the Buy West Eat Best initiative.
More information on the grants is available at www.dpird.wa.gov.au/businesses/grants-and-support/farmers-market-grant
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Farmers' markets play a valuable role in our communities, providing a platform for farmers and specialty food and beverage producers to showcase their produce, while allowing customers to have direct access to fresh produce and local products from the producers themselves.
"I'm incredibly proud that our government is providing training and grants to support farmers' markets and the growth of the sector in this Australian-first initiative that will help set WA farmers' markets up for long-term success.
"The popularity of farmers' markets continues to grow, with these events often a big drawcard for locals and visitors in our suburbs and regions - creating important economic benefits and opportunities for producers and local communities.
"I'm excited to see this scheme help our local farmers' markets and provide more opportunities for producers, and more opportunities for Western Australians to enjoy fantastic produce and products grown or made here in WA."
