NEGOTIATIONS are continuing on the roll out of the Drought Concessional Loans Scheme in WA.
Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston's office and Federal Department of Agriculture representatives say they are still working to ensure the best outcome for WA farmers.
A spokesperson for Mr Baston's office said a letter from the Minister, continuing the negotiations was signed by him and sent off to Canberra on Monday.
"We have had constant dialogue with the federal department about our concerns and they are very aware of our position," the spokesperson said.
"Our concerns are with the eligibility of the loans and we are focused on getting the best results for our WA farmers."
Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said delivery of the arrangements was a number one priority and some progress had been made at a national level.
"The Australian Government has been working with the governments of Queensland, New South Wales and WA as a matter of urgency to finalise the delivery arrangements for the drought concessional loans scheme," Mr Joyce said.
"I reached agreement with my counterparts from both NSW and Queensland and we are confident of rolling out drought loans in those jurisdictions before the end of the month.
"The Commonwealth and the WA Government are yet to agree on program guidelines that will apply, and we won't be able to progress the scheme in WA until we reach agreement on these guidelines.''
Mr Joyce said discussions in regards to feedback on the package had been held with the States.
"I wrote to the WA Minister (as well as to Queensland and NSW Ministers) on April 15 seeking feedback and agreement on the scheme's program guidelines, including delivery arrangements," he said.
"I know the WA Government is as committed as I am to assisting drought affected farmers and we will continue to work together as a priority to reach an agreement on the draft program guidelines.
"It is my hope that, similar to the other jurisdictions, WA producers affected by drought will be able to access concessional drought loans before the end of the month."
Drought has been a huge issue in Queensland and NSW, and due to their status farmers there have been made a priority, whereas WA has not been as badly affected.
Mr Joyce and his State, territory and New Zealand counterparts met in Melbourne last Friday to establish the Agriculture Ministers' Forum and collaborate on agriculture issues of national significance.
Issues that where discussed included the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper and Exercise Odysseus.
Mr Baston could not attend as he said he had already committed to attend a meeting in Cue to discuss progress on some pastoral issues within the region, which he was keen to hear about.
He sent Department of Agriculture and Food director general Rob Delane and his chief of staff Trevor Whittington in his place.