Chinese businesses have gained insight into Western Australia’s grain and cereal hay supply chains and export capabilities as part of the Western Australia-China Cooperation Conference’s two-day grains site tours.
These site tours have assisted in showcasing Western Australia’s first class grain supply chain and were coordinated by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), the WA Trade Office and Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA).
Site visits included CBH grain handling operations at Kwinana and Forrestfield, a wheat farm in Quairading and a cereal hay producer in Northam. There was also a tour of research facilities at Murdoch University and breeding facilities at InterGrain.
“The tours have been used to identify potential investment opportunities and foster relationships to enhance the Western Australian grain industry,” Grain Industry Association of Western Australia Chairman Jon Slee said.
Department of Agriculture and Food Grains Industry Executive Director Mark Sweetingham said the tour provided trading partners and potential investors with an on-the-ground look at operations in Western Australia.
“At the conclusion of the 2013 season, a record 17 million tonnes of grain was harvested which will provide returns of more than $5 billion to the economy,” Dr Sweetingham said.
“About 90 per cent of the State’s grains harvest is exported, and Western Australia is well-placed to capitalise on the requirements for quality grain products for the growing Chinese market.
“Western Australian grain is globally renowned for its high quality which matches demands from health-conscious grain end users in China.
“The State produces high quality cereal hay which is in high demand from Asian markets and is well placed to distribute cereal hay exports to global markets.
“Western Australia has an efficient supply chain with ample expansion opportunities in storage, transport and ports to further meet the growing demands of the global market.”
The tour followed the Western Australia-China Agribusiness Cooperation Conference held this week (9 April) which provided a unique opportunity for Chinese investors and the WA agriculture industry to identify key trade and network opportunities.
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