The State Government is assisting the Aboriginal community to become a key supplier in satisfying growing demand for plants for revegetation projects
A forum held last Friday brought Aboriginal enterprises together to better understand opportunities to satisfy growing demand for native seeds and plants for carbon farming sequestration.
A grants program will also be established to assist emerging and established Aboriginal businesses to increase their competitiveness, accelerating enterprise development and supply chain partnerships.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan told the Seed and Nursery Industry Forum for Aboriginal Organisations forum that $250,000 would be allocated to cultivate opportunities for Aboriginal seed and nursery suppliers.
The forum attracted established and emerging landowners, seed and seedling suppliers, as well as nursery businesses from throughout the agricultural region.
The Aboriginal community – with its connection to country and long history in sustainable land management – is well placed to satisfy surging demand for native seed and plants, driven by an increasing interest and investment in land regeneration and carbon farming.
The forum included a site visit to Boola Boornap native tree farm nursery, a recipient of a Round 4 Regional Economic Development Grant provided by the Wheatbelt Development Commission.
Minister MacTiernan will lead a panel discussion with industry representatives exploring the challenges and opportunities facing Aboriginal businesses in becoming preferred suppliers for carbon and land restoration initiatives.
The day also included sessions on how to accelerate business development to build supply, while satisfying accreditation and customer requirements.
For more information about the new grants program, visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/aboriginal-economic-development
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Native seed and plant propagation is obviously an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal enterprises.
“With many Aboriginal groups taking ownership of land as part of native title settlements, they are well placed to be part of a rapidly growing industry and as revegetation projects are healing country, it is an enterprise that sits well with Aboriginal stewardship of country principals.
“Experts from academia, government and industry contributed to this journey last Friday, as we worked together to produce the best business, environmental and social outcomes for Aboriginal, farming and regional communities.
“Experts from industry, science and government are contributing to discussions to give Aboriginal enterprises the best chance of success.”
