In a period where the world economy faltered, new figures show that Western Australia exported a record $6billion worth of food and agricultural commodities in the last financial year.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said growing demand for WA products from the Middle East and Asia had seen exports easily exceed the previous year’s record $4.7billion.
“The value of our agrifood exports grew 28 per cent in 2008-09. This is a real testament to the strength of our industries and their willingness to chase these new markets,” Mr Redman said.
“Up to 90 per cent of what we produce annually is exported and these figures show that the world is keen to buy more and more of the food and crops that we produce.
“WA has less than 10 per cent of Australia’s farms, but we produce nearly 20 per cent of Australia’s total agriculture and food exports.”
To support business looking to step into exporting or expanding their existing export markets, the Department of Agriculture and Food is looking at different ways to assist industry and remove trade barriers.
The Minister said a key initiative included the establishment of an export hotline to answer queries and help work through the issues surrounding exporting to international markets.
“We now also have more people on the ground in our growing markets with the appointments of additional business development mangers in our WA Trade Offices in Indonesia and Dubai. Their role in these strategic markets is to improve market access, assist WA companies and promote the State’s agribusiness sector,” he said.
“These are in addition to the agribusiness specialists already promoting WA exports in Tokyo, London and Shanghai.”
In 2008-09, Indonesia took A$931million worth of WA agricultural products, led by grain, cattle and meat.
Mr Redman said the Middle East was a key growth market last year, with export values rising 19 per cent to a record A$1.6billion.
WA companies interested in export opportunities are encouraged to contact the department’s export hotline on 1800 734 553, or email export@agric.wa.gov.au.
Minister's office - 9213 6700
Top 5 markets for WA products in 2008-09 (in $A)
1. Indonesia $931million
2. Japan $748million
3. China (inc Hong Kong) $686million
4. Iran $465million
5. South Korea $408million
Major WA exports in 2008-09:
1. Wheat $2.7billion
2. Canola $535million
3. Livestock $487million
4. Meat $464million
5. Wool $418million