On the back of more buoyant price signals for sheep meat and wool it is good to see that some of the transition assistance funding is starting to flow to producers and processors.
I’ve heard consistently that confidence in the sector is vital as we move through a transition period and that we need to provide growers as much certainty as they make decisions about their business. There are three grant programs that are designed to help on the ground – one round of outcomes has just been announced, and two are due to be announced very soon.
I have also heard that because these grants were all launched at similar times there has been some confusion about how they are different, who can apply and for what amounts. I have provided this feedback to government, and it is pleasing to see that there is further information coming out around these grants and some regional in-person sessions that can be attended to answer questions you may have.
$40m Supply Chain Capacity (for growers and processors)
This is a $40m grant program which is designed to shore up supply and processing capacity. It is open to both processors and producers. Principally for capital works and administered by the WA Government (RBDC), outcomes for the first $20m in funding for Round 1 was announced late in February with successful applicants including 40 sheep producers to support investment for on-farm finishing systems and 5 processors for capacity building, including lairage upgrades and abattoir expansion. There was strong interest in this competitive grant and successful applicants and projects can be found here: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/documents/grants/supply-chain-capacity-program/round-1-recipients---supply-chain-capacity-program-grants-table.pdf
Round 2 applications opened with an additional $20 million in funding to support both producers and processors until 24 April 2026. If you weren’t successful in Round 1, I’d encourage you to book a feedback session with the DPIRD team and re-apply. More information about the program is available on the WA DPIRD website.
$20m Farm Business Transition Program (for growers) – Round 1 outcomes to be announced in March with Round 2 to open in May 2026
This is a grower only grant.
A series of in person drop-in information sessions will be held across Western Australia next month to provide guidance on Round 2 of the Farm Business Transition Program, including eligibility, application requirements and assessment considerations. The list of locations can be found on the Transition assistance package page.
Remember if you are a sheep grower you can apply for both the Supply Chain Capacity Program and the Farm Business Transition Program. But there are some rules around how to do this, and all applicants are capped at funding. Attend an information session or look online, to find out more.
$1.5m Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program (for transporters) – Announcements in March
This is a grant designed to help WA transport businesses as part of the transition.
WA Roadmap to 2028
Work on the WA Roadmap is continuing and there has been very wide engagement on what the future looks like for the sector and how to position and capture as much value into the future. Have your say and find out more at the WA roadmap to 2028.
I’ll be attending Woolorama and some of the drop-in sessions – I’m always keen to have a chat or hear your views if you are planning on attending.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions either directly to me 0432 837 393 or via transition.advocate@aff.gov.au.
