Applications are now open for a $500,000 grants program to support growth opportunities for the Western Australian potato industry.
The Potato Industry Assistance Grants program makes individual grants of between $50,000 and $200,000 available for projects that can deliver industry-wide benefits to the Western Australian potato industry. Successful projects will be selected through a competitive, merit-based process by an independent selection panel. The grants program is part of the broader $1.5 million Horticultural Research Recovery Fund to assist WA vegetable growers find new opportunities in international and domestic markets. Successful grant holders will need to make a matching funding contribution to the project. Applications close at 12pm on Wednesday January 31, 2018. More information is available at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/hrf Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan: "This has been a tough year for WA's potato growers, with the tomato potato psyllid outbreak restricting access to Eastern States' markets. "While we are still working to regain market access for potato growers, we need to explore new opportunities in processing and in new markets. "The program will target projects capable of driving growth and competitiveness for the industry, focused on world-class production systems and efficient processing. "We want to see the potato industry's creative streak shine; from using excess product for premium potato chips to establishing a potato vodka industry, this program is a real opportunity to explore how we can find new premium markets for our growers." |
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