Foreword The Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to ongoing transformation in line with the State Government’s Priority Plan for Agriculture and Food so we can help the Western Australian agriculture and food sector achieve its sustainable potential in a rapidly changing world.
WA Agriculture and Food Fast Facts • The gross value of WA agriculture production was A$6.4 billion in 2009-10 • WA exports 95% of its grain, 77% of its livestock and 17% of its horticulture products, collectively representing 80% of its overall agricultural output • Since 2002-03 at least 70% of the State’s agrifood exports have been destined for Asia; Japan, China and Indonesia are now our largest markets • WA produces almost half of Australia’s cereal crop • WA agriculture exports in 2009-10 totalled A$4.5 billion
Department of Agriculture and Food Strategic Plan 2011–2015
In 2011, the sector is immersed in an era of evolving opportunities and risks. International demand for high quality and safe food and fibre products – particularly from nearby Asia – provides a positive outlook for the State’s agriculture and food sector. Correspondingly, managing risks to natural resources and our biosecurity, as well as minimising the impact of climate variability have become more pressing. Our department’s Strategic Plan outlines how we will work with industries and businesses throughout the agriculture and food supply chain to capitalise on opportunities and overcome obstacles. The plan embraces innovation, collaboration, leadership and excellence to achieve marketfocused, sustainable success.
Although we have achieved a lot, there is
We also seek to work with business, landholders and the community to protect and enhance our State’s valuable natural resource assets and our enviable biosecurity status.
continue to make decisions to support our
still more to do. Working closely with industry and communities, the State Government will vital agriculture and food sector.
Together with our renewed capacity and talented and dedicated staff, the department will help the State’s diverse agriculture and food sector to build for a better future for the benefit of Western Australia.
Rob Delane Director General, Department of Agriculture and Food
Hon. Terry Redman, MLA Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; Corrective Services
The Department of Agriculture and Food’s Strategic Plan and more detailed information about our activities are available at www.agric.wa.gov.au Printed copies are available from Department of Agriculture and Food offices.
The State Government’s Priority Plan for Agriculture and Food: Driving a progressive and profitable agriculture and food sector in Western Australia is available at www.agric.wa.gov.au
Department of Agriculture and Food 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, Western Australia 6151 Postal address Locked Bag 4 Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 Telephone: +61 8 9368 3333 Facsimile: +61 8 9474 2405 www.agric.wa.gov.au
D eparment of A griculture and food – S trategic P lan
Our Vision A progressive, innovative and profitable agriculture and food sector that benefits Western Australia.
Our Mission To work with our partners to develop the agriculture and food sector; and to effectively manage risks to the natural and biological resources on which it relies.
Our Approach We are a dynamic organisation that collaborates with a diverse range of partners throughout the world to generate innovation, knowledge and excellence. We work professionally, responsibly and with integrity to deliver meaningful results to industry, government and community.
Our Partners We build and maintain strong, local, national and international strategic links with the public and private sectors to deliver value throughout the agriculture and food supply chains. Effective partnerships are essential to our success.
Our Capability We have a Statewide network of dedicated and talented staff able to address the economic, scientific, technological, environmental, managerial and social drivers that shape our agriculture and food sector. Our professionalism enables us to collaborate with a range of partners to develop and share expertise, knowledge and technology.
Investment Priorities IMPROVING LONG TERM PROFITABILITY
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE SECTOR
BUILDING INDUSTRY CAPACITY
IMPROVING MARKETS AND TRADE
• Determine industry development needs and priorities – by establishing effective industry and government partnerships and planning arrangements at state and national levels
• Ensure land and water resources meet future industry needs – by cross-agency leadership and coordinated planning; and resource assessment and appropriate land use reform
• Extract more value from target markets – by providing industry with improved product and market knowledge; and improving information flow up and down the supply chain
• Improve the profitability of major industries – by identifying and analysing supply chain productivity drivers and risks; evaluating opportunities for product and processing development; and facilitating focused industry development projects
• Ensure sustainable management of land and water resources in a changing climate – by developing long-term management solutions to salinity, soil degradation and water quality; and extending practical risk management strategies and tools that incorporate seasonal variability
• Equip industry groups to provide leadership – by engaging industry groups (i.e. grower groups, industry associations and indigenous agricultural businesses) and improving their business systems and skills
• Improve grain industry profitability – by improving grain yields and seasonal performance; and providing access to high quality crop genetics, technology and risk management tools • Expand and diversify industries – by assisting industry analysis, planning and approvals; facilitating infrastructure and natural resources development; and minimising regulation and compliance costs • Capture new and emerging business opportunities – by assessing downstream value adding opportunities; and supporting associated economic and job development
• Manage biosecurity risks – by assessing and prioritising risks; extending management strategies and tools to industry, community and government; and ensuring appropriate industry engagement and investment • Enhance natural resource management partnerships – by developing relationships with catchment groups, communities and State and Commonwealth agencies; and targeting investment in biodiversity and stewardship of land and water resources
• Strengthen agricultural skills development across all industry sectors – by developing appropriate programs for all industry sectors; and promoting career and education opportunities in the agriculture and food sector • Enhance business adaptability and resilience – by providing targeted information, analysis and business skills development throughout the supply chain • Consolidate DAFWA as a dynamic economic development organisation – by transforming our culture, infrastructure and business systems to lead and facilitate the agriculture and food sector to achieve its potential
• Expand market opportunities – by encouraging productive relationships between supply chain customers, government and industry organisations; addressing biosecurity, tariffs and other trade-related impediments; streamlining regulation; and attracting investment in priority WA export and domestic market opportunities • Enhance the profile of the WA agriculture and food sector – by raising local, national and international awareness and recognition of the opportunities, achievements and excellence in the agriculture and food sector
For more detailed information about the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Strategic Plan and its activities visit www.agric.wa.gov.au