Eighteen agrifood businesses in the South West have benefited from a share in $252,000 through the state government's WA Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program.
Small-to-medium-sized food and beverage producers and processors will receive vouchers of up to $10,000 for professional business support services to help develop and expand their operations.
A broad range of products are covered through the initiative, including premium beef, lamb, juices, truffles, seafood, craft beer, wine, alcoholic spirits, pasta, chocolate, honey and kombucha.
Business recipients are required to match their vouchers dollar-for-dollar, helping them access expert advice on business planning, quality assurance, market positioning, technology, export capability development and other technical services.
Travel assistance vouchers of up to $2,000 have also been awarded to several businesses investigating ag-tech or food-tech manufacturing technologies capable of improving productivity and profitability, redeemable following relaxation of travel restrictions.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the WA Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program was a prime example of the McGowan Government's commitment to growing and diversifying the state's economy and workforce.
"The successful applicants will have access to new expertise that will help them expand, create new jobs, and capitalise on market opportunities," she said.
"These are growth-orientated businesses who have identified opportunities and challenges in their business plans and are ready to bear fruit.
"This type of support will be even more important given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the regions.
"The McGowan Government is working with regional communities and primary industries across the food supply chain to maximise recovery from the COVID-19 crisis."
For more information on the WA Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website agric.wa.gov.au/AFBvoucherrecipients
