The McGowan Government is backing farmer-led research and development in Western Australia's agriculture and food sector, with an investment boost to the Grower Group Alliance (GGA).
The State Government will invest $4.38 million over four years to enable the GGA to better support grower groups around the State to drive innovation and improve returns to growers.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) staff and resources will be assigned to the GGA, providing the opportunity to share expertise and efficiencies between growers and scientists.
The new arrangement boosts the Government's contribution to GGA and strengthens the long-standing collaboration with DPIRD to drive greater returns to growers.
There are 44 groups across the grower group network, spanning from the Kimberley to the South Coast, whose membership makes up more than half of Western Australia's farming businesses.
The GGA has moved to a new front office location in DPIRD's South Perth office, providing greater visibility and access to members and industry stakeholders.
Comments attributable to Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The McGowan Government recognises the importance of grower-led research to complement the work of our scientists to boost competitiveness in our agrifood sector.
"This arrangement, harnessing increased support from the DPIRD, will boost support services provided by GGA to the grower group network and strengthen groups' capacity to attract scientific and ag-tech research investments in WA.
"A Collaboration Council will be established, including membership from the GGA board and from the Department, to provide high-level strategic advice to assist both organisations achieve the biggest bang for their investment buck.
"GGA and the grower group network have a strong reputation for working side-by-side with our Department scientists on field trials and testing ag-tech innovations, providing high quality, ground-truthed information that paves the way for growers to adopt new management practices, varieties and technology."
