The Cook Government today announced a two-year partnership with the Mid West Food Industries Alliance to build more competitive and innovative food industries, boosting growth and employment in the region.
The Alliance will be supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Mid West Development Commission allocating $167,000 over two years to deliver a range of initiatives.
This funding will help the Alliance put Mid West produce on the map as well as deliver a range of initiatives including helping local producers to connect with buyers and delivering workshops.
This builds on the $41,500 in funding already provided to create the Mid West Food and Beverage Capability Guide, which was launched at today's Shore Leave Festival in Geraldton.
The Guide showcases a diverse range of businesses from the region's iconic livestock, horticulture and seafood industries, as well as premium produce, with the aim of connecting local suppliers with retailers, buyers, wholesalers, chefs, caterers, tourism operators and consumers.
A number of featured businesses are members of the State Government's successful Buy West Eat Best program, with many taking part in the Mid West WA Food Marketplace at the Shore Leave Festival.
The free marketplace event is an opportunity to meet local producers, view cooking demonstrations and sample produce from the region, prepared by Central Regional TAFE hospitality students and lecturers.
The Mid West Food and Beverage Capability Guide is part of the Regional Food and Beverage Capability Guide program, featuring the Great Southern, Goldfields-Esperance, Kimberley, Peel, Wheatbelt and Gascoyne.
Food and Beverage Capability Guides can be accessed online at www.agric.wa.gov.au/capability-guides.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"It's great to be at the Shore Leave Festival to announce exciting initiatives which help forge new relationships and linkages for local businesses not only across the region, but also nationally and internationally.
"The Cook Government is supporting the Mid West Food Industries Alliance to help form important connections within the region, creating economic benefit and brand recognition to increase tourism, business opportunities and employment.
"I'm delighted that so many businesses being featured at the Mid West WA Food Marketplace are members of our Buy West Eat Best program, promoting the buy local message."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Mid West Food and Beverage Capability Guide is a fantastic tool for regional businesses, buyers and consumers to explore the array of fresh and value-added produce across this dynamic region.
"This food and beverage guide has been produced under a collaboration agreement with the Mid West Food Industries Alliance, who are doing incredible work in the region.
"I feel privileged to be supporting Western Australia's regional businesses to expand their local, national and international reach."
Comments attributed to Lara Dalton Geraldton MLA:
"There's some incredible local producers in our Mid West and the Capability Guide will help showcase their unique products to chefs, restaurants and supermarkets across WA.
"I'm proud to be part of a Government that is supporting our emerging food scene and this fresh funding will help the Mid West Food Industries Alliance to continue its work in upskilling producers and promoting produce from this region."
