$2.5 million to strengthen Western Australia's sheep industry

The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to assist sheep farmers through the phase out of live sheep exports by sea with further funding of $2.5 million opening today for the Farm System Productivity Program.

The Farm System Productivity Program is the first grant program delivered under the $5 million WA Roadmap Implementation Fund, which will support priorities identified in the WA Sheep Industry Roadmap to 2028.

The Roadmap is an industry-led strategy to help the Western Australian sheep industry adapt to the legislated end of live sheep exports by sea from 1 May 2028.

This Farm System Productivity Program is part of the Government’s almost $140 million transition assistance package to help individuals, businesses and communities confidently plan and adapt ahead of the legislated end of live sheep exports.

The Farm System Productivity Program will support projects that deliver broad benefits across the Western Australian sheep industry by:

• improving farm productivity, 
• strengthening industry capability, 
• increasing profitability, 
• encouraging collaboration and
• supporting informed, evidence-based decision-making.The open competitive grants program is available to both not-for-profit organisations and commercial businesses, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $750,000.

Projects funded through the program will help sheep producers and supply chain businesses adapt to changing markets and build a stronger, more productive and sustainable future for the sector.

Applications open today and close on 3 September 2026. Successful projects will be delivered over two years, with all grant activities to be completed by 31 May 2028.

More information and the grant opportunity guidelines are available on the Department’s website and GrantConnect.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Western Australia’s sheep industry has a strong future, and we’re investing to help producers and businesses seize new opportunities.

“The funding opening today through the Farm System Productivity Program will support practical, industry-led projects that improve productivity, profitability and collaboration across the sheep supply chain.

“Through the transition assistance package we are continuing to work closely with industry to deliver practical, targeted support that helps farmers and businesses.”