Grants awarded to Western Australian sheep producers and processors are designed to assist business as they navigate the phase out of live sheep exports by sea
The first round of Western Australia’s Supply Chain Capacity Program has awarded grants to 40 sheep producers and five processors across the state to support capital investment and improve productivity.
The program forms part of the federal government’s Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package, which is designed to assist as businesses adjust to the phase out of live sheep exports by sea.
The grants will support producers invest in on-farm finishing systems, while helping processors invest in capacity building, including lairage upgrades, cold storage enhancements, and abattoir expansion.
Successful projects span WA’s Wheatbelt, South West, Great Southern, and Esperance-Goldfields regions.
Producer projects include strengthening production capacity and improving market readiness with new and upgraded feedlots, paddock finishing infrastructure, and other improvements designed to enhance supply chain reliability, strengthen flexibility, and support more consistent livestock supply to processors across the state.
“The Supply Chain Capacity Program grants will enhance business confidence and industry transition readiness, supporting businesses to adapt to structural shifts in the sheep sector, and maintain market access and productivity,” WA agriculture minister Jackie Jarvis says.
“I’ve recently returned from a trade mission to the Gulf region where buyers indicated that demand for WA sheep meat remains strong, reflecting a long-standing trading relationship that has valued a quality meat product.”
