A dedicated agriculture officer will support Swan Valley and Perth Hills growers to seize new opportunities and overcome a range of production challenges.
The food growing regions supply Western Australians with high quality fruit and wine and are a popular local tourism hotspots on the footsteps of Perth.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan met with Perth Hills fruit growers this week to workshop the best ways the State Government could help growers.
Farming systems development officer Nancye Gannaway will work with Swan Valley and Perth Hills growers to help grasp new opportunities and manage common challenges, such as water and land availability.
The position will leverage work already delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and link landholders with initiatives to build business resilience and premium markets.
The appointment will underpin a project to further identify challenges associated with food growing in these areas and to develop plans for future investment.
Wholesale horticulture production across the City of Swan, City of Armadale, Shire of Chittering and Shire of Kalamunda is estimated at $108 million.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Our Perth Hills and Swan Valley growers are a valuable asset for our community - they have real challenges but also great opportunities.
"Perth consumers are environmentally aware and appreciate the fewer food miles associated with Perth Hills and Swan Valley fruit and vegetables.
"Small to medium food growing enterprises in the region are reporting constraints to doing business. In particular, growers want help developing premium branding.
"A dedicated agriculture officer who can help connect growers to resources and expertise within the department and across agencies will help give us our best shot to keep beautiful local produce coming."
As stated by Kalamunda MLA Matthew Hughes:
"I welcome the appointment of Farming Systems Development Officer Nancye Gannaway to assist growers in the Perth Hills take their businesses to the next level.
"Local growers are delighted to hear of this appointment. She will help them boost quality produce coming from these highly prized agricultural regions on the fringes of Perth - known for delicious fresh fruit and high-quality wines."
