NEW market opportunities for local agribusinesses are set to be forged with the official opening of the new Western Australian Premium Food Centre in Manjimup on Friday.
Agriculture is WA's second largest export sector, employing 40,000 in WA and producing 17 per cent of Australia's agriculture and food exports.
Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Lewis said the $3 million centre would help businesses transform market potential into trading partnerships.
He said there was great potential for WA agricultural producers and processors to work together to capture a share of the growing global premium food market.
"The Western Australian Premium Food Centre will enable the local agrifood industry to build on its enviable reputation and capitalise on growing domestic and international demand - particularly from Asia - for reliable suppliers of high quality, safe, premium products," he said.
"The centre will work with agribusinesses throughout WA, including the organics industry, that are actively pursuing market expansion."
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the centre would identify market opportunities and help businesses become competitive, preferred providers of premium agrifood products.
"The project complements other Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture projects including the $6m Asian Market Success program, the $22.1m Agriculture Sciences Research and Development Fund and the $20m WA Open for Business program," Mr Redman said.
"These investments will equip Western Australian agribusinesses with the skills and market intelligence to stand out in the international marketplace as preferred premium food suppliers.
"In doing so these projects will expand the agriculture sector and the region's contribution to the economic and social well-being of WA."
