New market opportunities for local agribusinesses are set to be forged, with the official opening of the new Western Australian Premium Food Centre in Manjimup today.
Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Lewis said the $3 million centre would assist agribusinesses from across the State to transform market potential into trading partnerships.
Mr Lewis said there was great potential for Western Australian agricultural producers and processors to work together to capture a share of the growing global premium food market.
"The Western Australian Premium Food Centre will enable the local agrifood industry to build on its enviable reputation and capitalise on growing domestic and international demand - particularly from Asia - for reliable suppliers of high quality, safe, premium products," he said.
"The centre will work with agribusinesses throughout WA, including the organics industry, that are actively pursuing market expansion. These businesses will make an important contribution to realising the Liberal National Government's vision to double the value of agriculture by 2025."
The centre is part of the $4.5 million Food Industry Innovation project, part of the Royalties for Regions $350 million Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture initiative.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the centre would identify market opportunities and to support suitable agribusinesses in their endeavours to become competitive, preferred providers of premium agrifood products.
"The project complements other Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture projects including the $6 million Asian Market Success program, the $22.1 million Agriculture Sciences Research and Development Fund and the $20 million WA Open for Business program," Mr Redman said.
"These investments will equip Western Australian agribusinesses with the skills and market intelligence to stand out in the international marketplace as preferred premium food suppliers.
"In doing so, these projects will expand the agriculture sector and the region's contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of WA."
Fact File
The Food Industry Innovation, Asian Market Success and Agriculture Sciences Research and Development Fund projects are delivered by the Department of Agriculture and Food
WA Open for Business is being delivered by the Department of Regional Development
Agriculture is WA's second largest export sector, employing 40,000 from across WA
WA produces 17% of Australia's agriculture and food exports
Agriculture and Food Minister's office - 6552 6400
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
