The Peel Growers Hub has been set up to support farmers in maintaining and building profitable farm businesses in the region.The formation of this group aims to:
- Increase farmer participation in strategic planning for agriculture growth in the region
- Improve capability amongst farmers and producers
- Expand research and development that is relevant to farmers in Peel to enable growth into new markets, supply chain improvements and value add products
- Progress food value industries in Peel that have adopted sustainable and innovative practices
The challenges that are faced by the Peel producer economy is that it is characterised by many small to medium farmers operating horticulture, viticulture, livestock, fruit, egg, milk and hay businesses. These businesses operate mainly in isolation. Initial consultation undertaken also identified that farmers in the region require capability building to aid in accelerated business growth in a number of areas and were unaware of the opportunities that existed through Transform Peel and the WA Food Innovation Precinct.
The Peel Growers Hub gives producers in the region a voice via phone and online surveys and increased connectivity and collaboration between businesses via events held in the region. Producers are able to access information via e-communications about a range of in person and online workshops that aimed to increase their capabilities and knowledge, enhance their competitiveness and accelerate their innovation processes.
This project is supported by Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, in partnership with the Western Australian Future Food Network.
