Monday 17th June 2024
Over 50 Southern Forests farmers and industry stakeholders attended a sundowner in Manjimup on 13 June to learn about critical government funding available for water infrastructure and drought relief.
The sundowner, hosted by the Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC) heard about a range of State Government funding and support mechanisms to support farmers affected by dry season conditions.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) land and water development branch manager Neil Guise gave details about interest-free loans, grower resources and financial and mental health support.
DPIRD project manager Eugene Carew discussed the Southern Forests Infrastructure Support Scheme to help horticultural producers in the Warren-Donnelly region improve on-farm water security.
Kellie-Jane Pritchard and Theo Nabben from the Grower Group Alliance provided an overview of the South West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, including some of the proven water-saving project work overseen by the Hub.
SFFC renewable energy partner Rob Rohrlach from ONE New Energy talked to the gathering about solar conversion opportunities including solar irrigation solutions.
SFFC Independent Chair Arthur Wilson encouraged growers to explore the support available and how it could benefit their businesses.
“We want to see as many Southern Forests growers benefit from the funding and support available through the State Government to become more resilient to the changing climate and challenging conditions our farmers operate in every day,” Dr Wilson said.
“Our aim is to help the region become more resilient to the changing climate and the challenging conditions our farmers face every day. This support is crucial in helping our growers continue to thrive and produce high-quality food, despite the adversities they encounter. By leveraging these resources, we hope to foster resilience, innovation, sustainability, and long-term success for the Southern Forests agricultural community,” Dr Wilson went on to say.
Growers can also access up to $1,000 to engage grant writers and professional services to support project plans and funding submissions for these and other funding opportunities. Details are available via the Southern Forests Food Council.
The Southern Forests Food Council received support for these initiatives through the Grower Group Alliance Dry Season Response Initiative.
More about Southern Forests Food Council:
The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for major food production and agri-tourism. Its role was formalised in 2012 after receiving a $5 million investment under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative. The investment is part of a $7 million allocation to the Shire of Manjimup for its Agricultural Expansion Project. The SFFC has received a further $725,000 over two and a half years through the State Government to focus on activities and implement strategies that secure its long-term sustainability and enhance the Genuinely Southern Forests brand.
The Food Council is committed to unifying the area’s world-class and diverse producers to strengthen the region’s economy, attract investment and export opportunities, promote regional pride, and create sustainable jobs. It represents local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators who live and work in what is WA’s premier food bowl, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests as an internationally-recognised agricultural region and culinary tourism destination.
The Southern Forests produces over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy, sheep, pork and cattle farms, as well as award-winning wineries and exceptional culinary experiences. The Southern Forests region is heavily invested in agriculture, with $230 million of agricultural production coming from the region.
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