Info on regional business opportunities, farm support and tech on offer from DPIRD at this year’s Woolorama

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is keen for local business operators to call in for a chat at Woolorama in March to find out how to become a supplier for the State Government. Members of DPIRD’s Local Content Advisor Network will be at the DPIRD display to explain supply contracts and tenders in line with the initiative’s aim to connect regional producers and service providers with WA Government agency opportunities. DPIRD Local Content manager Lewis Mavrantonis said there were many opportunities available for Wheatbelt businesses. “The network connects with a broad range of suppliers, from trades to specialists,” he said. “More Wheatbelt businesses are needed to meet demand for basic local services such as cleaning, gardening, security and painting and construction trades.” Last year, the network connected regional suppliers to $529m in Government supply opportunities and identified 216 new potential regional suppliers. Mr Mavrantonis said the network was focused on bolstering regional growth, diversity and capability. The display will also provide information about the national sheep and goat electronic identification (eID) initiative. “With the requirement for any sheep and goats born from January 1, 2025, onward to be eID-tagged, we are looking forward to meeting producers at Woolorama to answer questions,” DPIRD sheep and goat eID project manager Michael Britton said. “Visitors to the display with current property ID codes will be offered the chance to win one of three sets of 100 eID tags of their choice on each day of the show.” Farmers are invited to bring water samples to the display for free salinity and pH testing. The greenhouse gas measuring machine GreenFeed will also be on show. The DPIRD Woolorama display will be at Site 626 on Kitchener Street opposite the ram pavilion.