The Western Australian government has invested $437,500 in the state’s agrifood and beverage sector as part of its Value Add Investment Grant program, with funding going towards feasibility studies that support business expansion, diversification, and growth.
The program has been providing feasibility stream and capital investment stream grants to local businesses since 2018, with the latest round of capital in January providing more than $7 million.
The capital investment stream has seen $23.8 million in grants drive agrifood and beverage investment over the past seven years, attracting $262 million in private capital and generating more than 1000 jobs.
This round of feasibility grants will support eight companies to undertake studies paving the way for future capital investments, to deliver employment and economic benefits to metropolitan and regional communities.
Western Australian Agriculture and Food Minister, Jackie Jarvis, said the grants will help realise new opportunities in the region’s agrifood and beverage sector.
“This sector is a significant employer in Western Australia, and has significant growth potential, particularly in manufacturing and processing,” said Jarvis.
“The state government is committed to creating local jobs and seeing more things made here – including value-add products from our incredible produce. Our investment will help futureproof Western Australian businesses, enabling them to expand their operations and adapt to changing markets to remain internationally competitive.”
The full list of grant recipients includes;
- As One Nyitting Limited – $31,546
To examine sustainable expansion of Djilz Bush Tea products. - WA Salt Koolyanobbing – $41,800
To assess quality standards to support supplies of food grade salt from Lake Deborah. - Western Meat Packers – $63,000
A study to modernise Western Meat Packers' Parkfield sheep processing facility to significantly increase capacity. - iPastai – $24,500
An analysis to expand the iPastai business, which produces fresh and frozen pasta, ready meals, and sauces made from locally sourced ingredients. - Tingle Ridge Farm – $90,090
To investigate the development, design and construction of a multi-species abattoir in Mount Barker to increase supplies of direct sale grass-fed sheep meat and beef. - Forest Fresh Australia – $93,300
To examine the installation of a large, automated production line for Western Australian bioactive honey with naturally occurring antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. - Hawford Sound – $23,100
To evaluate onsite renewable energy options for a new manufacturing site for lupin-based health food and snack products made from Western Australian ingredients. - Whole Green Foods – $70,000
To determine the viability of establishing a dedicated processing facility for whole food ingredients made from Western Australian grains and botanicals.
More information on the Value Add Investment Grants program is available online at dpird.wa.gov.au.
Western Australia also supports the state’s agrifood and beverage sector through the Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program, which offered $700,000 of funding this year to small companies looking to access professional advice to accelerate business growth.
