Key Takeaways
- 104 Western Australian sheep producers have received grants for on-farm infrastructure improvements.
- Four processors have been awarded grants for upgrades in processing capacity and efficiency.
- The initiative supports the transition from live sheep exports to increased onshore processing capabilities.
Investment in Sheep Industry Growth
The Australian Government has awarded grants totaling over $40 million through the second round of the Supply Chain Capacity Program to support Western Australian sheep producers and processors. A cohort of 104 producers will utilize these funds to improve on-farm finishing systems, which include investments in new or expanded feedlots, confinement feeding systems, paddock finishing, and advancements in technology aimed at boosting efficiency.
Additionally, four processing facilities will benefit from grants focused on capacity building. Their improvements will include updates to lairage areas, enhancements to cold storage, value-added production initiatives, and abattoir expansions. These investments are designed to enhance the overall supply chain sustainability and operational productivity.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating it will make business operations more flexible, efficient, and resilient for producers. Similarly, WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis highlighted the program’s potential to diversify markets and open more opportunities for sheep producers in the region.
This funding initiative is part of the Australian Government’s Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package, aimed at helping businesses adapt to the phase-out of live sheep exports by sea. By boosting onshore processing capacity, the program seeks to enhance the supply chain’s efficacy and overall productivity in Western Australia, setting a strong foundation for the future of the local sheep industry.
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