ALMOST a dozen Pilbara and Kimberly pastoralists have already registered their interest in the State Government's new $25,000 business improvement grants.
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The Northern Beef Futures (NBF) Business Improvement Grants, announced last week, will provide up to $25,000 for expert advice and mentoring.
Broome-based NBF operations manager Andrew Negline said the NBF team have hit the road to meet with pastoralists to discuss the grants.
"We will be knocking on everyone's doors to find out if people are interested or not," he said.
"We are in the process of sending out 200 letters to pastoralists explaining the grants, which will be received in the next week and we will continue to follow up."
Mr Negline said the improvement grants will be eligible to beef cattle producers whose primary source of income is primary production.
"It is focused on stations and station owners that are looking to drive productivity in their business operations," he said.
"The first step is that we are looking for applicants that have a business plan or will complete one.
"But from that business plan we would hope there is an opportunity to identify key performance indicators that they can measure to drive their productivity."
The grants will be funded through the Royalties for Regions four-year, $15 million NBF program.
Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said the funds could help commercial producers in these regions enhance their competitiveness and growth prospects.
"It's part of a broader strategic approach to transform the State's northern beef industry through improving markets, businesses and productivity," Mr Baston said.
"Approved applicants will be reimbursed for up to $25,000 per business.
"They can engage a consultant to review the performance of the business and develop a new business plan or update the business plan.
"Producers can then implement the identified strategies, linked to improved management practices and technologies to help the business to meet the domestic and export market specification and demand for WA beef and cattle."
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment would contribute towards a sustainable export market to strengthen regional WA's economy.
"Royalties for Regions is equipping agricultural communities to meet the demands of the global food market and to benefit future generations," Mr Redman said.
"I encourage eligible beef producers to take up this opportunity and create new prospects for their businesses."
Applications close on April 1.
p For information visit https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/r4r/northern-beef-futures or contact the Northern Beef Development Centre in Gregory Street, Broome on 9194 1488 or nbf@agric.wa.gov.au.
