Manufacturing capability across Western Australia’s agrifood and beverage sector is set to be strengthened, with 80 businesses receiving support under the State Government’s Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program to help scale production, improve processes and pursue growth opportunities.
In a news release, the Western Australian Government announced that 100 vouchers worth more than $680,000 will be distributed in the latest funding round, supporting small-to-medium enterprises involved in food and beverage manufacturing across both metropolitan and regional WA.
Eligible businesses span a wide range of manufacturing activities, including meat processing, bakery, wine and spirits, honey, pasta, pre-prepared meals, probiotics, juice, ice cream and food supplements.
The long-running program provides access to specialist advice aimed at building business capability, with funded projects covering areas such as business planning, manufacturing for growth, sales and marketing, and environmental sustainability.
According to the WA Government, the current round is expected to generate more than $884,000 in co-contributions from participating businesses.
Since its launch in 2018, the Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program has issued more than 436 vouchers valued at $2.4 million, leveraging over $3.38 million in business co-investment.
The government said recipients have used previous vouchers to improve production efficiency, develop new product lines, establish distribution channels and access new domestic and export markets.
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said the level of demand reflected the program’s relevance to manufacturers operating in a competitive and evolving sector.
“The strong interest in the Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program highlights the value of this initiative in helping businesses seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and build growth, innovation and resilience in a sustainable way,” Minister Jarvis said.
She added that the program was focused on practical capability building within businesses. “This long-running and highly successful program is also equipping these businesses with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to strengthen operations, innovate and expand,” she said.
Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson said the vouchers were supporting a diverse mix of agrifood and beverage manufacturers across the State, with flow-on benefits expected beyond individual businesses.
“This program is supporting hundreds of diverse WA agrifood and beverage businesses, from wine and spirits, to chocolate and coffee, to ready-made meals and health supplements right across our State,” Minister Dawson said.
“I look forward to seeing how this round of vouchers will benefit businesses and the flow on benefits to regional communities and economies,” he said.
The WA Government said a full list of successful recipients from the latest funding round is available through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.
