Events, grants and scholarships
Included below is a snapshot of various government supported events, funding, programs, grants and scholarships available to the WA agricultural sector.
Events
Accu-Spread demonstration days, 19 - 27 March, various locations in the South West and Great Southern.
Understanding the spread pattern of a fertiliser spreader, when applying different products can result in significant savings and benefits to growers. Australia’s Accu-Spread specialist Russell Nicol will be conducting a series of 6 Accu-Spread demonstration days through-out the south west and south coast for graziers in high rainfall zones to attend. Up to six participants at each location will also have the opportunity to get their fertiliser spreader tested on the day free of charge.
If you are interested in attending the Accu-Spread demonstration day and would like to have your fertiliser spreader tested on the day please RSVP to Kelly Lavell on 6364 7295 or kelly.lavell@dwer.wa.gov.au or keep an eye on the Whole Farm Nutrient Mapping Facebook page for upcoming details.
DPIRD DataSmart workshop, 27 February and 1 March, Katanning
Pedigree Master (data management software package) one day workshop for stud sheep breeders, delivered by Debbie Milne of Richmond Hill Agribusiness.
DPIRD Electronic ID training workshop, 28 February, Katanning
Learn how to manage your electronic tag data in Excel and import it into your software in this half day workshop for sheep producers. This workshop will be delivered by Debbie Milne of Richmond Hill Agribusiness.
Farmer wants a wife - Sheep Research Open Day, 22 March, Katanning
The 2018 sheep research open day will showcase the latest technology, emerging research and management techniques for sheep. You’ll see practical information and solutions put into action, helping you get more out of your sheep enterprise in less time and with less stress.
2018 Grains Research Updates, 26 & 27 February, Perth
A two day program showcasing the latest research, technology, market development and management innovations to improve the productivity and profitability of the WA grains industry. For Regional Updates locations visit the GIWA website.
Wagin Woolorama, 9 & 10 March, Wagin
Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) representatives will be at Woolorama on 9-10 March to explain the recent changes to strengthen the LPA accreditation system to industry and livestock producers.
Grants - new this edition
Accelerating Commercialisation, no closing date provided
Accelerating Commercialisation, previously Commercialisation Australia, is focused on helping start-up companies commercialise new technology.
Advanced Production Systems Fund, no closing date provided
Hort Innovation is forging partnerships with top local and international researchers, innovators, commercial enterprises and Australian growers through a new and exciting multi-million dollar Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative – the Advanced Production Systems Fund.
Certain Inputs to Manufacture, no closing date provided
Provides Australian manufacturers importing chemicals, plastics, paper goods and metal materials, or goods used in food packaging, with duty-free tariff concessions to help reduce their importing costs.
Digital farms grant, 13 April 2018
Joint investment is sought from interested parties who wish to capitalise on Western Australia’s growing and export-oriented agricultural sector, through the provision of improved and fit-for-purpose digital connectivity services to farming businesses that are currently indicated by the National Broadband Network to receive Sky Muster™ satellite services.
Export market development grants, closes 28 February 2018
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme is a key Australian Government financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters. Administered by Austrade, the scheme supports a wide range of industries.
International Wine Tourism Competitive Grants, 2 March 2018
International Wine Tourism Competitive Grants provide a range of stakeholders with the opportunity to apply for small grants (up to $50k) and medium grants ($50k–$250k), offered on a competitive basis, for initiatives that will grow the number of and/or spend by tourists visiting a region of Australia for the purposes of international wine tourism.
Farm Co-operatives & Collaboration, no closing date provided
A $14,934,000 Federal Government initiative that aims to provide farmers, fishers and foresters with knowledge, skills and materials on collaborative ideas, co-operative structures and collective strategies.
Managing Farm Risk Programme, closes May 2019
The Managing Farm Risk Programme provides rebates for advice and assessments to help farmers prepare and apply for a new insurance policy that assists with the management of drought and other production and market risks.
NACC Habitat Fencing Initiative, 30 June 2018
This project provides funding to land managers to protect the habitat of threatened flora and fauna and areas of priority remnant native vegetation in the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR).
Wine Export Grants, closes May 2020
The Wine Export Grants are designed to support small to medium wine exporters in capturing export opportunities in China and the USA, by offering reimbursement grants for specific export promotion activities from January 2018.
Grants - ongoing
Entrepreneurs’ Program, no closing date provided
The Entrepreneurs’ Programme uses experienced Advisers and Facilitators, drawn from industry, to ensure businesses get the advice and support needed to improve their competitiveness, productivity and to seek growth opportunities.
Farm water supply planning scheme, no closing date provided
Commercial broadacre farmer experiencing water shortages can apply for rebates to fund an audit and site inspection of farm water supply and improvements.
Pastoral Water Grants Scheme, no closing date provided
Provides grants of up to $20 000 for commercial pastoralists looking to develop alternative watering points to reduce grazing intensity around existing overgrazed and degraded water supplies.
Supplier Improvement Plan, no closing date provided
Provides tailored advice to help your business to develop a better understanding of your customer’s needs and requirements, increase your supplier capability, and improve your access to new and existing markets.
Scholarships
Agrifutures Horizon Scholarship, closes 23 February 2018
In partnership with industry sponsors, the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship is an initiative supporting students enrolled in full time study at an Australian university.
WA sheep industry university scholarship program, closes 31 March 2018
The WA sheep industry scholarship program is designed to support and encourage individuals who wish to pursue further study by addressing key industry questions relevant to the sheep industry supply chain in Western Australia.