- New funding program to support local farmers' markets
- Grants of up to $50,000 to help keep markets operating sustainably
- Cook Labor Government backing WA's agrifood and tourism industries
Fresh funding to help Western Australian farmers' markets to grow and thrive will soon be available under a new grant program from the Cook Labor Government.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be on offer to assist metropolitan and regional farmers' markets with operational costs and business sustainability.
Farmers' markets operate across WA, from Geraldton to Albany and throughout the Perth metropolitan area, supporting local farmers and producers to connect directly with customers.
These markets attract a range of food and artisan businesses, from fruit and vegetables, to seafood, meat and dairy products, to olive oil and honey, through to personal care products, plants and gifts.
This new funding is the latest initiative from the Cook Government to support the State's agrifood and beverage sector.
The farmers' market grants build on the Government's investment in WA's local value-added industry through the successful Value Add Investment Grants and Agrifood and Beverage Voucher programs and the Buy West Eat Best initiative.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Western Australia's farmers' markets are at the heart of the communities they operate in - connecting locals and visitors with some of WA's best produce.
"Our farmers' markets are growing in popularity, with many becoming fixtures on our food tourism calendar and drawcards for our suburbs and regional towns.
"This funding will support the sustainability and growth of WA's farmers' markets, providing ongoing economic benefits for producers and communities."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Farmers' markets play an important role in promoting local produce and providing opportunities for WA agrifood and beverage businesses to grow their operations.
"These grants will help WA's farmers and speciality food and beverage producers to continue to showcase their products and reach customers directly.
"Supporting WA's farmers' markets also gives Western Australians more choice when shopping for their groceries, offering them an alternative to the major supermarkets where they can find fresh, affordable produce with lower food miles."
