Australian Government grants assisting Western Australian sheep producers and processors to enhance on-farm and processing infrastructure have been awarded in the second round of the $40 million Supply Chain Capacity Program.
Grants have been awarded to 104 producers to support investment into on-farm finishing systems, including new or expanded feedlots, confinement feeding systems, paddock finishing, and efficiency-led technology improvements.
The successful projects span the Mid West, Wheatbelt, South West, Great Southern, Peel, Gascoyne, and Goldfields-Esperance regions.
Grants have been awarded to four processors for capacity building, including lairage upgrades, cold storage enhancements, value-added production, and abattoir expansion.
The program, administered by the Rural Business Development Corporation on behalf of the Australian Government, aims to increase onshore processing supply chain capacity, efficiency, and productivity in WA.
It forms part of the Australian Government’s almost $140 million Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package to assist businesses adjust to the phase out of live sheep exports by sea.
More information about the program is available from www.dpird.wa.gov.au/supply-chain-capacity-program .
As stated by FederalMinister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins MP:
“Australia’s sheep industry is a proud and important part of our agricultural sector, and these grants will help ensure this continues into the future.
“The 108 successful grant recipients have total project values of more than $88 million, representing positive investment into Western Australia’s sheep supply chain.
“This funding will assist producers to make their businesses more flexible, efficient, and resilient.”
As stated by WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“Our government is committed to supporting a strong and sustainable sheep industry in Western Australia.
“This latest round of Supply Chain Capacity Program grants will increase onshore processing capacity, diversify markets, and create more opportunities for our sheep producers.
