First meeting with Minister for Agriculture ‘productive’

WAFarmers remains confident about the future of agriculture for Western Australia following the organisation’s first meeting with new Minister for Agriculture and Food Alannah MacTiernan.

Meeting for the first time yesterday afternoon since the Minister’s appointment, WAFarmers President Tony York, who attended the meeting with Senior Vice President Lyn Slade and Executive Officer – Policy (General) Grady Powell, said the Minister was very receptive to discussions. The Hon. Darren West MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister, was also in attendance.

“We have been looking forward to this meeting for quite some time, as the Minister and Labor have indicated their commitment towards capitalising on the recent acknowledgements that the WA agricultural industry has the potential to double production by 2025, and supercharging the opportunities available to the sector,” Mr York said.

“During our meeting we discussed these opportunities and more, many of which should complement the Minister’s interest in building economic development and jobs within her joint ministries of Agriculture and Regional Development.”

Mr York said discussions revolved around WAFarmers’ commodities, and many of the issues outlined in the 2017 WAFarmers State Election Policy Platform.

“Given significant coverage earlier this week regarding Royalties for Regions and the future resourcing of the Department of Agriculture and Food WA, these were high on the agenda for our meeting,” he said.

“We also raised concerns regarding the upholding of biosecurity, transport infrastructure, research and development for the grains and livestock industries, and the WA Wild Dog Action Plan.”

“Finally, as the Minister has a strong interest in the dairy industry and is keen to find a solution to the ongoing issues currently affecting the sector, we discussed recent developments within dairy and whether there are possible pathways to a solution to ensure farmers remain in contract and to arrest the oversupply of milk.”

Mr York said agriculture had a significant role to play in revitalising the state’s economy, and that early indications from Labor would work towards this.

“We believe the meeting was productive for all involved and will open doors to strengthening agriculture’s economic value and stimulating our workforce,” he said.

“We remain confident that Minister MacTiernan and her staff will be great advocates for WA’s agricultural interests as Minister for two critical and complementary portfolios, and we look forward to working alongside her as we work towards for a more viable, profitable and sustainable future for industry.”

ENDS.

All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].

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