State Government funds Building Horticulture Business Capacity Program hoping to create business savvy growers

An initiative that aims to help horticultural businesses grow has seen an $800,000 investment from the State Government. The Building Horticulture Business Capacity Program is a joint project that includes Hort Innovation, Pomewest and vegetablesWA and will offer tailored business capacity training to individual growers over the next four years. Successful applicants learn skills in business analysis and data collection, receive expert advice and an examination of farm management practises to improve the overall viability of their business. Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the targeted program would help lift the business skills of individual horticultural enterprises and generate flow-on benefits. “Our Government is committed to investing in practical measures that support WA’s diverse horticulture industry to adapt to a rapidly changing operating environment to provide them with the best chance to grow and prosper,” she said. Local grower Peter Ivankovich, pictured, said the fact the programs were free and confidential was a big draw card as well as lowering his operating costs. “It just gives you an indication of where you’re spending your money and whether you should be trying to watch where it goes,” he said. “A lot of people are hesitant because they don’t want to tell you what they’re doing.” The program is made up of components such as business analysis and benchmarking and provides growers with expert perspectives. Building Horticulture Business Capacity Program manager Bryn Edwards said the aim was to support growers in improving their farm management practices. “One of the things we do is help them understand their cost of production which is a really important metric,” he said. Growers from Perth to Myalup are taking part in the program, which was announced on Friday.