Agriculture WA's Royal Show exhibit will showcase export drive

23/9/99

The Agriculture WA exhibit at the Perth Royal Show this year will showcase the agency's work with the agricultural sector to achieve $8 billion in exports over the next decade.
Primary Industry Minister Monty House said Western Australia currently exported 80 per cent of its agricultural production worth about $3.5 billion.
Market reforms and growth in world food and fibre consumption, combined with expanding new and existing markets, would increase the potential for the sector to substantially increase its export value.

"We have set a goal to increase the value of agricultural exports by assisting the State's agriculture, food and fibre industries to be internationally competitive, highly profitable and sustainable in the long term," Mr House said.
"Current trends project agricultural exports from Western Australia to be worth $6 billion in nominal terms by 2008. However, the agency is committed to focussing its programs to help industry reach the target of an additional $2 billion."
Mr House said the Royal Show display highlighted the importance of the cereals industry which accounted for 55 per cent of agricultural exports from WA, followed by wool, and meat and livestock exports.
"About 8,000 WA farms produce 10 million tonnes of wheat, barley and oats each year which is exported to markets in Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa," he said.
Projections for 2,008 allowed for greater increases in exports from the horticulture, dairy and pulses and oilseed industries.
The show exhibit also features the State's wine industry, one of the most buoyant export industries.
"WA premium table wines are renowned throughout the world - for every bottle of WA wine consumed in this State, two bottles are consumed interstate or overseas," Mr House said.
The agency's work with the agricultural sector to achieve sustainable production, as well as freedom from exotic pests and diseases, would also be highlighted.
In addition, chef Werner Bollaan will cook quality guaranteed beef under the Meat Standards Australia program throughout the day for show-goers to sample.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044