A South West food group’s government funding has run dry, with the organisation mulling cuts to its services so it can survive.
Southern Forests Food Council has been running for 14 years and in that time has received more than $7.3 million from the state government to support its establishment and growth.
However, the state government now expects the organisation to stand on its own feet and will not be providing any more funding.
SFFC acting chairwoman Monica Radomiljac said the group had limited resources to see it through to the end of the year.
“The state government has been a significant supporter of the SFFC over many years, and we are genuinely grateful for that investment,” she said.
“At the same time, we are disappointed that funding will not continue, because the reality is that the SFFC cannot continue in its current form without ongoing investment.
“This comes at a time when regional communities and primary industries are already navigating considerable challenges.
“Organisations like the SFFC play an important role in connecting businesses and growers, building capability, and supporting regional resilience, so there is a lot for us to consider carefully over the coming months.”
The SFFC counts more than 100 members on its books, mostly growers from Manjimup, Bridgetown, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole.
It trades under the Genuinely Southern Forests brand and in 2023-24 generated more than $6.1 million in economic value, according to a report commissioned by the council.
Acting agriculture and food minister Stephen Dawson said the council had received three tranches of funding to invest in trade, tourism, marketing and self-sustainability measures.
“In total, the state government has invested $7.36 million in SFFC and provided eight years to transition to a self-sustaining business model,” he said.
“The state government considers that this substantial investment, together with the time provided to achieve financial sustainability, has afforded SFFC every reasonable opportunity to establish a viable and enduring operating model.
“While no further state government funding will be provided, we will continue to encourage SFFC to pursue alternative revenue sources, partnerships and commercial opportunities to support a sustainable operating model beyond 2026.”
Warren-Blackwood MP Bevan Eatts said the council would have to reduce its operations or wind up without government support.
“It takes years of investment to build recognition, reputation, markets and relationships – and that is exactly what has been achieved through Genuinely Southern Forests,” he said.
“Regional WA is constantly told to innovate, value-add and find new markets. The Southern Forests Food Council has done exactly that.
“Walking away now puts 14 years of investment and regional brand-building at risk.”
Mr Eatts said the state should commit to providing $725,000 per year for three years to the council.
Mr Eatts was the inaugural chairman of SFFC.
His son, Ewan Eatts, is on the SFFC committee.
