Dairy research hub for Bunbury

Western Dairy's decision to take responsibility for dairy research and development has been praised by the WA Farmers Federation acting dairy section president.

Under the arrangement, all WA dairy-related research, development and extension activities will be delivered by Western Dairy, a levy-funded regional development program run by Dairy Australia.

The organisation's base will be at the South West Catchments Council office in Bunbury and it has start-up funding of $1.5 million for its first three years.

WA Farmers acting dairy section president and Brunswick dairy farmer, Michael Partridge, said Western Dairy's control over research and development was a good outcome, with the Department of Food and Agriculture moving away from the areas.

"I think it's a good thing that there will be industry control over research and development decisions and hopefully there will be more grassroots investments," Mr Partridge said.

"It's been expected that the State Government would move away from dairy research and development but I hope they can continue to support it financially long-term."

Mr Partridge said the location of the hub in Bunbury was a bonus for dairy farmers in the South West.

"It's certainly good for the hub to be based in Bunbury because of proximity to dairy farmers and hopefully there will be a direct line of communication between the hub and the industry," he said.

"Research and development is very important for farmers. It is important to keep ahead of the game because we are working in an international marketplace."

Western Dairy executive officer Esther Price said there would be three full-time staff based at the hub.

"There will also be contractors based at the hub depending on the projects undertaken by Western Dairy," she said.

"We have received solid start-up funding but we are still looking for more funding partners."

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said it was an initiative that would empower the WA dairy industry to drive on-farm research, development and extension activities targeted to its needs.

"The model is expected to strengthen links between research providers and dairy producers and strengthen industry's links with the local community," he said.

"Western Dairy is to be applauded for its proactive approach in driving such an important project, which will lead to significant outcomes for its producers."