Grant supports on-site packing of fresh produce at Manjimup farm

6/7/07
Regional Development Minister Jon Ford today announced a grant of $31,264 was being given to the operators of Manjimup based farm, B D & H D Wren, for assistance in expanding the farm's fresh produce business and undertaking bulk packaging of farm produce.
The grant is provided through the State Government's Regional Headworks Program and will assist with the cost of upgrading power supply to the farm property.
Mr Ford said the extended power supply would enable the operation of water pumps and cool room storage associated with in-farm packing of produce.
"The plan to process and package on-site produce, which is currently being undertaken in the metropolitan area, is a positive move that will provide a boost to local employment and create up to four seasonal job opportunities," he said.

"The Carpenter Government is keen to support value-adding of produce within the regions and believes initiatives such as this are an important step in achieving this outcome."
The B D & H D Wren Farm supplies cauliflowers, potatoes, broccoli and sweet corn for the domestic and export markets.
The cool room and packaging area is expected to be fully operational in the spring of 2007.
The Minister said the grant was part of the State Government's commitment to encourage and promote sustainable development in regional Western Australia by helping to reduce headworks costs.
Further information about the Regional Headworks Program, which is part of the Government's $80million Regional Investment Fund, is available from the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on 9217 1500, freecall 1800 620 511 (country only) or http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 9213 7200