Digging into agricultural opportunities -13 June 2007
Harvey and Brunswick’s existing agricultural industry is expected to get a boost into new markets when a new Agricultural Industries Development Officer is appointed in the next two months.
The newly-created role will help farmers tap into potentially lucrative new markets while also fostering fledgling new agriculture-based industries.
South West Development Commission Chairman Don Punch said the officer would look at getting the most out of the area’s unique agricultural land.
“The Harvey Brunswick area has a lot of high value agricultural land,” Mr Punch said.
“The citrus, viticulture, horticulture and emerging aquaculture areas offer a lot of largely untapped opportunities for the area.
“The new officer’s role will be to help identify and develop these, as well as link existing producers to the best financial opportunities for their product.”
Mr Punch said the new officer would also work to attract new investment into the region.
“There are some agricultural businesses based on the outskirts of the metropolitan area that may find relocating to the Harvey-Brunswick area a more attractive option,” he said.
“The area offers more affordable land, access to a major regional centre and port and is a great place to live.”
The new position has been developed in conjunction with SWDC, the Peel Development Commission and the Department of Agriculture. Applications have closed and are currently being processed.
The officer will also work to develop opportunities in the agricultural industry in the Peel region.
The project is part of the State Government’s $2.64 million Pinjarra-Brunswick Sustainability Strategy, developed to support the ongoing improvement and prosperity of the region.
…ENDS
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