The
Cook Government today announced a two-year partnership with the Mid West Food
Industries Alliance to build more competitive and innovative food industries,
boosting growth and employment in the region.
The
Alliance will be supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional
Development and the Mid West Development Commission allocating $167,000 over
two years to deliver a range of initiatives.
This
funding will help the Alliance put Mid West produce on the map as well as
deliver a range of initiatives including helping local producers to connect
with buyers and delivering workshops.
This
builds on the $41,500 in funding already provided for capability building activities including to create the Mid West Food
and Beverage Capability Guide, which was launched at today's Shore Leave Festival
in Geraldton.
The Guide
showcases a diverse range of businesses from the region's iconic livestock,
horticulture and seafood industries, as well as premium produce, with the aim
of connecting local suppliers with retailers, buyers, wholesalers, chefs,
caterers, tourism operators and consumers.
A
number of featured businesses are members of the State Government's successful
Buy West Eat Best program, with many taking part in the Mid West WA Food
Marketplace at the Shore Leave Festival.
The
free marketplace event is an opportunity to meet local producers, view cooking
demonstrations and sample produce from the region, prepared by Central Regional
TAFE hospitality students and lecturers.
The
Mid West Food and Beverage Capability Guide is part of the Regional Food and
Beverage Capability Guide program, featuring the Great Southern,
Goldfields-Esperance, Kimberley, Peel, Wheatbelt and Gascoyne.
Food
and Beverage Capability Guides can be accessed online at www.agric.wa.gov.au/capability-guides.
Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food
Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"It's
great to be at the Shore Leave Festival to announce exciting initiatives which
help forge new relationships and linkages for local businesses not only across
the region, but also nationally and internationally.
"The
Cook Government is supporting the Mid West Food Industries Alliance to help
form important connections within the region, creating economic benefit and
brand recognition to increase tourism, business opportunities and employment.
"I'm
delighted that so many businesses being featured at the Mid West WA Food
Marketplace are members of our Buy West Eat Best program, promoting the buy
local message."
Comments attributed to Regional Development
Minister Don Punch:
"The
Mid West Food and Beverage Capability Guide is a fantastic tool for regional
businesses, buyers and consumers to explore the array of fresh and value-added
produce across this dynamic region.
"This
food and beverage guide has been produced under a collaboration agreement with
the Mid West Food Industries Alliance, who are doing incredible work in the
region.
"I
feel privileged to be supporting Western Australia's regional businesses to
expand their local, national and international reach."
Comments
attributed to Lara Dalton Geraldton MLA:
"There's
some incredible local producers in our Mid West and the Capability Guide will
help showcase their unique products to chefs, restaurants and supermarkets
across WA.
"I'm
proud to be part of a Government that is supporting our emerging food scene and
this fresh funding will help the Mid West Food Industries Alliance to continue
its work in upskilling producers and promoting produce from this region."
