The McGowan Government continues to back farmer-led agricultural research and development, with an investment extension of $2.58 million over two years to the Grower Group Alliance.
The commitment builds on foundation funding for the Alliance, which provides an important catalyst for innovation and advances that boost the productivity and profitability of growers across the Grainbelt.
The arrangement continues to draw on the expertise and resources of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), working hand-in-hand to ensure targeted investments that deliver increased returns.
Since its inception in 2019, the Alliance has brokered programs with several collaborators to leverage more than $50 million of cash and in-kind investment in research, extension and adoption projects, spanning grains, livestock, horticulture, pastoral and digital data analysis.
It is also delivering the Australian Government's South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub to accelerate innovation and adoption of drought resilient practices that support thriving producers.
The Grower Group Alliance has grown to more than 60 grower group members, from Kununurra to Albany, representing more than 4000 broadacre, irrigated agriculture and pastoral enterprises.
The Alliance also works closely with DPIRD on the WaterSmart Dams project via the Future Drought Fund, together with The University of Western Australia, as well as on South West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub initiatives.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"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.
"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 years until 2025.
"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."
