June 2016

WAFarmers has identified the Liberal-National Coalition Government as the best hope for the continued development of the agricultural sector over the coming years, following considerable engagement with the major political parties and consultation with industry. With a score of 16 out of 25, WAFarmers President Tony York said the Coalition was the most agreeable option as their election promises aligned most with the WAFarmers Policy Priorities, as opposed to those of Labor and The Greens.

The strategic importance of WA’s agricultural colleges in developing career pathways has been highlighted ahead of next month’s Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Competition, during which the Murdoch University team will defend their title across six categories. WAFarmers Chief Executive Officer Stephen Brown said the organisation was pleased to hear that some members of the 10-person Murdoch University ICMJ team had completed studies at an agricultural college prior to undertaking tertiary studies in animal sciences or

A report outlining 40 recommendations and opportunities for future firefighting processes has been delivered, with WAFarmers pleased a recommendation has been created as a result of consultation with the organisation, and that a rural firefighting service has been suggested as a course of action. Premier Colin Barnett released the long-awaited report in Harvey this morning, stating that the current system for managing bushfires was “failing citizens and the government”. WAFarmers President Tony York said Recommendation

WAFarmers is thrilled to be supporting the Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Competition for the next three years through the sponsorship of the Murdoch University ICMJ team. Beneficial for the participating students, universities and the wider red meat and pork industries, the competition encourages students to extend their careers in the processing, marketing, lot-feeding, retail, veterinary and research and development sectors of the industry. The Murdoch team, comprised of 10 students, will travel to Wagga Wagga

WAFarmers has reiterated the importance of prioritising agriculture at the top in the lead-up to the Federal Election, stating that support and development on a local level would exponentially increase Australian trade opportunities. “Agriculture must be marked as a national economic and policy priority in order to capture the value of opportunities driven by growing local and international demand for our premium produce,” WAFarmers President Tony York said. “Now more than ever, Australian consumers are

Students in Year 11 at Western Australia’s agricultural colleges are invited to apply for an Agriculture Ambassador Scholarship, a new initiative between WAFarmers and the Department of Education WA. The annual scholarships will recognise agricultural college students with a strong interest in the industry, and will support their growth and development within their chosen agricultural field. WAFarmers Chief Executive Officer Stephen Brown said the inaugural awards were part of the overall scholarship support package offered