• Scholarships of up to $20,000 on offer for agriculture and aquaculture innovators
• The scholarships support the development of industry and jobs in regional WA
• $300,000 has been awarded to entrepreneurs through the program over the past three years 

The McGowan Government is calling for applications from innovators and industry professionals in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors for the latest round of the Agriculture and Aquaculture Entrepreneurship Program.

The scholarship program is now in its fourth year and has so far awarded $300,000 to Western Australian farmers and aquaculture operators.

Successful applicants can receive a scholarship of up to $20,000 to research world-leading innovations and how to apply them in Western Australia to grow local industries and support WA jobs.

Past recipients have used the funding for activities such as travelling to see firsthand cutting-edge innovations in their sector, courses of study and trials to apply an innovation in their operation.

Applications close on April 28, 2019. For more information, visit http://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/agriculture-and-aquaculture

Comments attributed to Science Minister Dave Kelly:

"For Western Australian agriculture and aquaculture sectors to keep pace in this technological age, it's important we are constantly innovating.

"By fostering innovation in these sectors we are supporting industry development and jobs, particularly in regional WA.

"Now is the time for WA to grow opportunities and innovate in aquaculture, with an increasing worldwide demand for high-quality aquaculture products."

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"These grants mean technology and new ideas from around the world can come back to our farms and local industries. This program has supported innovation in areas as diverse as soil acidity, livestock sales software, drones, shiitake mushrooms and legume inoculation.

"WA has innovative, clever people who are looking to the future of agriculture, and our Government is committed to supporting their efforts."

Science Minister's office - 6552 6100

Agriculture and Food Minister's office - 6552 6200