Agribusinesses receive $6.3m in grants

Good Drinks Australia, Stella Bella Wines and Dardanup Butchering Company are among 10 local businesses to win a share of recent government grants aimed at the development of new food and beverage projects.

The selected agrifood and beverage recipients are expected to use the combined $6.3 million worth of funding to implement new projects, boosting business and capturing value adding opportunities.

The Value Add Investment Grants is part of the Western Australian government’s $16.7 million Food and Beverage Fund, which is being delivered over four years.

April last year marked the first round of funding, with 18 agrifood businesses sharing $10.2 million in grants.

According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Agriculture and Food division, the round one recipients invested an estimated $142 million back into the sector and 600 new jobs were created.

Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said the initiative would help businesses in the industry grow and overcome supply chain disruptions and market challenges.

“This valuable grants program is supporting businesses to pursue goals and aspirations with confidence, creating jobs and flow-on benefits throughout the supply chain, and helping to diversify the WA economy,” she said.

This year, the grants are valued at between $262,039 and $750,000 each.

Among the 2023 recipients is Good Drinks Australia, which received $750,000 to go towards the installation of two additional fermentation tanks to expand brew production capacity.

Stella Bella Wines also received $750,000 to upgrade its plant and equipment to increase wine production capacity.

Dardanup Butchering Company, which works with beef, lamb and pork farmers in the South West, received $750,000 to install processing machinery for a new pork floor.

Also receiving $750,000 was stockfeed manufacturer NewCo Mills, which is expected to use the grant to establish a stockfeed grain mill for livestock and animal industries.

The other recipients were DCB Australia, Milne Agrigroup, Magnum Essence, Homestyle Vegetable Processors, The British Sausage, Ham and Bacon Company, and D Trandos & Sons.

“I am excited by the new projects, which will expand and diversify these businesses, especially those improving their sustainability to satisfy environmental, social and customer expectations,” Ms Jarvis said.