PINJARRA cattle producer Geoff McLarty said he was pleased the State Government was continuing to invest in biosecurity and more market opportunities in the 2016/17 budget.
Mr McLarty said he spoke to Agriculture and Food Minister Dean Nalder before the budget was handed down and expressed the need to focus on biosecurity.
"I expressed my concerns and worries about WA biosecurity, as I believe it is a necessity," he said.
"Investing in this is a good thing, I am looking at it in terms of the beef sector, but it affects grains and other industries just the same."
Mr McLarty said biosecurity could still be improved in WA.
He said further investment into defending WA's borders, through Seizing the Opportunity in Agriculture was a positive move forward.
"I know it is also a federal issue, but funding is important, it's not the biggest issue for agriculture, but it certainly is an important one in terms of markets," he said.
Mr McLarty believed WA and Australian market opportunities had improved in the past few years.
"Money into these two areas is money well spent," he said.
"The government was being cautious, because of the situation they are in; they have to be thrifty.
"But putting money to opening new markets is good news for the industry, as it is hugely important."
The 2016/17 Budget revealed an extra $50 million has been added through Royalties for Regions Seizing the Opportunity in Agriculture initiative and $350m to capitalise on agricultural economic growth. The initiative will fund projects that include WA Biosecurity Defence, Agricultural Sciences Research and Development and WA Open for Business.
