Agrifood

Western Australian agriculture and food businesses are making major inroads into international markets and boosting trade earnings to record levels. The value of our agrifood exports jumped by an impressive 28 per cent to reach A$6 billion last financial year, driven largely by growing demand from the Middle East and Asia.

With the Western Australian industry exporting more than 80 per cent of annual production, these growth figures are a very positive sign. They highlight the significant contribution the state makes to national rural export earnings, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the total Australian agriculture and food exports to the world.

With the development of the Ord River irrigation scheme project in the North of the state, increasing irrigable land from 14,000 to 28,000 hectares, new investment will be attracted to Western Australia. This in turn will provide a range of farm types and sizes suitable for a wide variety of agriculture production destined for markets in Australia and overseas.

The Department of Agriculture and Food is working to consolidate the significant growth in key export markets and to further develop emerging markets as well as identify and remove trade barriers to boost export performance.

Western Australia has one of the most innovative and successful agriculture and food industries in the world. To maintain Western Australia’s  competitiveness, the Government works to continually cut red-tape and to promote investment in world-class research and development.

Getting our research and development priorities right will ensure Western Australian industry leads the way. This includes leading on new technologies, farming techniques and processing – and ensuring on-going sustainability and competitiveness. The Government has been working on Plans to Support Industry Development to maximise the opportunities for industry to prosper and grow. Under the plans, the department’s activities will closely align with future industry needs to continue to meet consumer expectations for high quality, fresh food products. Maintaining Western Australia’s global reputation as a trusted supplier of premium quality food is also vital to retain and expand market access.

Similarly, the department will continue to progress leading scientific research and look at innovative ways for the agrifood sector to evolve for the long-term sustainability and profitability of the industry. Agriculture is the ultimate renewable industry for which there will always be demand.

The Government of Western Australia European Office is here to assist European businesses interested investing in agrifood industries in Western Australia. The office can assist in liaising with the relevant Western Australian industry groups and Government authorities to help ensure European businesses are well-informed about investment opportunities in the State.

For further information, please contact the Trade and Investment Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it