WA Grains Industry Strategy 2025+ launched

A comprehensive strategy to double the value of the Western Australian grains industry over the next decade has been launched by Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston at the 2015 WA Agribusiness Crop Updates.

The WA Grains Industry Strategy 2025+ was prepared by the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia Inc (GIWA) after extensive consultation over nine months and input from the Western Australian grains industry. Mr Baston said the strategy embodied a bold vision as to how it would expand the industry to ensure sustainability and prosperity for future generations.

“By 2025, the world’s population is forecast to increase by one billion and this will require a 30 per cent increase in global grain production,” he said. “Most of this demand is expected to come from Asia with a rising middle class, providing the WA grains industry with a unique opportunity to become a preferred supplier to this rapidly growing market. So it’s important for the industry to have a comprehensive strategy to make the most of this opportunity.”

The strategy is based on eight key actions to realise its aim. The Minister said the State Government was committed to supporting the industry to achieve the strategy’s goal.

 “The State Government has injected $30 million into the grains industry via the eConnected Grainbelt and the Boosting Grains Research and Development projects, as well as a further $20 million to the Boosting Biosecurity Defences project, all led by the Department of Agriculture and Food,” he said.

“These investments will support work by the GIWA, other industry organisations, and farm and other businesses in the grains industry to continue to improve its profitability and competitiveness in international markets.”

The WA Grains Industry Strategy 2025+ is available at: http://www.giwa.org.au