Highlights collaboration and future growth for WA agriculture

Western Australia’s agricultural sector met on 29 April for the APC Annual Forum, bringing producers, industry leaders, and government representatives together to explore the future of the state’s primary industries.

Words Jacqui Kay, Communications Officer, APC

THE annual gathering continues to provide a chance for connection, collaboration and discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing producers.

Producers’ Committee members and industry representatives were welcomed both in person and online to the hybrid event, offering a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen relationships across the sector.

The afternoon opened with a welcome and Commission update from Tony Cull, who reflected on the forum’s theme, Industry Outlook: Risks and Opportunities. He acknowledged the challenging conditions currently facing producers and emphasised the importance of industry-led innovation and strong collaboration to support a resilient and profitable agricultural sector through these challenges.

Attendees then heard from Sam Oakden, who outlined the future direction of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) through the Primary Industries Plan. With a focus on long-term priorities for the sector, including innovation, sustainability, market development and strengthening industry capability across Western Australia.

In line with the forum’s theme, a key focus of the meeting was providing practical support for producers navigating changing business conditions.

The first panel discussion, Supporting Growers in Their Businesses, brought together representatives from government and industry support organisations to discuss resilience, financial assistance, and business development opportunities.

Panel speakers included Alison Slyns from the Small Business Development Corporation, who highlighted the range of support services and training resources available to WA producers at low or no cost. She emphasised the importance of seeking assistance early, noting that proactive engagement often leads to better outcomes. Kerrine Bleninsop from DPIRD who leads the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience programs outlined the opportunities for farmers to improve their farm business resilience. The program builds the strategic management capacity of farmers/farm and land managers and employees to prepare for and manage risk, adapt to a changing climate and improve the farm business’ economic, environmental and social resilience.

It supports learning in areas including:

• strategic business skills

• risk management

• natural resource management

• personal and social resilience.

The conversation then shifted to productivity and innovation during the Driving Producer Profitability panel discussion. Speakers including

Dr Bruce Mullan, Rohan Prince and Anna Barlow explored how research, technology adoption and innovation can strengthen producer returns and enhance long-term competitiveness.

Anna Barlow, who leads the Food and Agri Innovation Vertical at Startupbootcamp Australia, provided insights into how agribusinesses can help producers take ideas from concept to market. She highlighted the value of innovation ecosystems in connecting producers with mentors, researchers, and industry partners, enabling the development and commercialisation of new technologies and practices. The Australian-Grown Innovation program, run by Startupbootcamp and Cluster Connect in partnership with Hort Innovation, has been designed to drive innovation that will tackle the most pressing challenges in horticulture.

The Australian-Grown Innovation program will mentor Australian growers and those across the horticulture supply chain to turn great ideas into commercially viable products and services that make a real difference on the ground.

The three program stages include:

• Engage

• Incubate

• Build

Attention then turned to international markets during the Supporting Industry to Grow Export panel. Industry representatives Jade Archibald (Hort Innovation), Jenny van de Meeberg (APAL) and Larry Jorgensen (Wines of WA) shared perspectives on export growth, market access, and the importance of maintaining Western Australia’s strong global reputation for premium agricultural products.

A final address from the Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Food; Fisheries; Forestry; Small Business; Mid West concluded the meeting. Reinforcing the significant contribution of Western Australian producers to the state’s economy and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between industry and government.

The APC Annual Forum once again demonstrated its value as a platform for knowledge sharing, discussion, and connection. It highlighted both the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of primary industries in Western Australia, while reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth across the sector. We thank all those who made the time to attend for their contribution on the day, and particularly our panelists.