The Cook Government has announced a significant investment of $600,000 over three years into the TradeStart program, earmarked for the South West and Great Southern regions of Western Australia. The funding, allocated from 2025-26 to 2027-28, aims to bolster export advisory services provided by the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and the Great Southern Development Commission (GSDC), with the intention of facilitating access to international markets for predominantly small to medium-sized local businesses.
The announcement, made by Regional Development Minister Don Punch, highlights the government’s commitment to aiding regional economies by equipping local businesses with the necessary tools to succeed on a global scale. The funding will enable the SWDC and GSDC to continue offering specialised business development advice and support international trade capacity through targeted trade activities.
Over the past two decades, the GSDC and SWDC have actively provided export advisory services through direct engagement, including inbound and outbound trade missions. Recent outcomes of this engagement include exports of over $4.7 million in food products and $1.6 million in wine to eight countries. Key partners in this initiative include Austrade, the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s Invest and Trade WA offices, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, and Wines of Western Australia.
Implications for Agritourism:
This injection of funds presents a noteworthy opportunity for Western Australia’s burgeoning agritourism sector. While the primary focus is on product exports, the potential for experience-based agritourism businesses to leverage the program is significant. Export advisory services could assist operators in:
- Developing digital offerings, such as virtual farm tours and online cooking classes, for international audiences.
- Creating partnerships with established exporters to include agritourism products or experiences in existing supply chains.
- Identifying niche markets with a specific interest in sustainable agriculture and unique culinary experiences.
Potential Challenges:
Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain. The funding’s impact may be limited by the relatively modest allocation across two large regions. Smaller agritourism businesses may struggle to navigate the complexities and costs associated with exporting, including packaging, shipping, compliance, and marketing. Increased competition from established international players also poses a hurdle.
Industry Response:
The Western Australia Agritourism Association (WAAA) acknowledges the government’s commitment to supporting regional businesses and encourages its members to proactively engage with the SWDC and GSDC to explore available export advisory services. WAAA also advises businesses to assess their export potential, invest in digital infrastructure, embrace collaboration, and prioritize sustainable practices.
This funding represents a valuable opportunity for WA agritourism to showcase its unique offerings on the global stage, however, success will depend on proactive engagement, strategic planning, and a commitment to sustainable practices.”
Conclusion:
The $600,000 investment in the TradeStart program offers a potentially significant boost for Western Australia’s agritourism sector. By leveraging the available resources and embracing innovation, agritourism operators can capitalise on the growing global demand for authentic, sustainable, and unique experiences. While challenges exist, the potential rewards, including increased revenue, enhanced brand reputation, and economic diversification, warrant serious consideration. The WAAA will continue to monitor the program’s progress and provide support to its members seeking to expand into international markets.
Leave a Reply