URGENT UPDATE: The Grower Group Alliance (GGA) is reeling after the WA government announced it will not continue funding for its collaboration with the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), raising pressing concerns about the future of agricultural research and community support in Western Australia. This shocking decision, confirmed earlier today, comes after six years of partnership, during which the state invested over $7 million into GGA initiatives, yielding an impressive estimated return of $90 million.
GGA Chief Executive Officer Rikki Foss expressed her deep frustration, stating, “The State pulling out of their funding is pulling out of regional communities and investing in human capital.” She emphasized that withdrawing support jeopardizes vital research and development efforts that benefit local growers and their communities.
The formal partnership between GGA and DPIRD began in 2019, with a mission to enhance agricultural capacity building across WA. However, the recent announcement has left GGA and its members blindsided, as they claim they had not received any official notification from DPIRD or WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis prior to this decision.
In a letter to GGA members, Foss highlighted the government’s stance that future funding should come from GGA members and farming enterprises. She warned, “Comments around growers needing to pay more is just like a red flag to the bull,” pointing out that growers already contribute significantly through levies and their own resources.
Foss elaborated on the implications of this funding cut, stating, “If growers walked away from their generosity, investment, and time, it would affect the R&D system.” She raised concerns about the sustainability of the GGA without continued investment, reiterating that “we’re not financially sustainable.”
The urgency of the situation is compounded by the fact that the partnership’s end date is set for May 2025. Foss noted that the GGA had been working since October 2023 to prepare for this transition, but expressed confusion over the lack of communication and support from DPIRD.
A spokesperson for DPIRD countered that GGA’s funding had not been cut but rather that the joint funding agreement had reached its conclusion. The spokesperson claimed that the organization had grown significantly, from seven staff members to 23, and expanded its membership from 37 to 94 agricultural organizations. However, Foss disputed this characterization, stating that many of the claims made by the government about GGA’s financial stability were misleading.
The backlash from local agricultural leaders has been swift. Central Wheatbelt MLA Lachlan Hunter condemned the decision, calling it a “slap in the face to the people driving innovation in WA agriculture.” He criticized the government for demanding extensive reports and then abandoning the agreement at the last moment.
Local grower group leaders, such as Lizzie von Perger of Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Dee McKeown from Mingenew-Irwin Group, voiced their concerns about the potential loss of collaboration and funding that GGA has facilitated. Von Perger stated, “We wouldn’t have as good a chance to successfully apply for bigger tenders if we were applying alone,” emphasizing the importance of GGA in securing valuable research funding.
In light of these developments, GGA plans to continue advocating for support from the government and aims to clarify the situation. Foss remarked, “We really need to unpack what has happened to us,” as stakeholders await further details and a path forward.
This situation is still developing, and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for updates on the future of agricultural research funding in Western Australia.
