The State Government has opened Round 7 of its highly successful Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program, offering a direct funding opportunity for WAAA members to access expert advice and accelerate their business growth. With a total of $700,000 available, eligible small and medium-sized enterprises can apply for vouchers of up to $10,000 to invest in professional services across key areas like business planning, marketing, and manufacturing efficiency.
This program is critically relevant for agritourism operators, who often manage the dual complexities of primary production and tourism service delivery. The vouchers are designed to help businesses overcome specific challenges, de-risk growth opportunities, and enhance their commercial sustainability. For any operator looking to refine their business model, improve their visitor offering, or expand their market reach, this is an immediate and actionable opportunity.
How the Vouchers Can Grow Your Business
The program allows businesses to co-invest in high-value professional advice that might otherwise be out of reach. Vouchers of up to $10,000 can be used across five distinct categories, providing flexibility for operators to target their most pressing needs.
The categories are:
- Business Planning: For strategic planning, feasibility studies, or succession planning.
- Manufacturing for Business Growth: To improve production processes, food safety protocols, or packaging design.
- Sales and Marketing: For developing new branding, export strategies, or enhancing digital marketing and e-commerce platforms.
- Financial Health: To gain a deeper understanding of business financials and investment readiness.
- Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility: For developing sustainability plans, improving green credentials, or implementing social responsibility initiatives.
“We used a voucher from a previous round to get professional help with our online marketing and booking system. It completely transformed our direct-to-consumer sales,” said a South West boutique food producer. “It’s not just the money; it’s the access to top-tier expertise that makes the real difference. I’d encourage every eligible operator to apply.”
A Proven Track Record of Success
Since its launch in 2018, the Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program has provided over $2.4 million in funding to more than 430 WA businesses. This includes a wide range of enterprises central to the agritourism sector, such as wineries, breweries, cheesemakers, olive groves, and specialty food producers.
In the official announcement, Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis emphasised the program’s strategic importance. “The Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program has a great track record for helping WA businesses to take the next steps in their operations and to realise their business goals,” the Minister stated. “Importantly, the program promotes value-adding of our State’s great agricultural produce and supports our local food and beverage sector so more WA products can be made in WA.”
How to Apply
This is a competitive grant program with a limited window for applications. The WAAA strongly encourages members to review the program guidelines promptly and prepare their applications well before the deadline.
Applications close at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.
For detailed information on eligibility, the application process, and a list of registered service providers, members should visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) website directly.
Full details are available at: www.dpird.wa.gov.au/AFBvoucherprogram.
WAAA staff are available to provide general guidance to members considering an application. This program represents a direct investment by the government into the capabilities of our sector, and we urge members to take full advantage of this opportunity.
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