What is the Processed Oat Partnership?
The Processed Oat Partnership (POP) is an industry-led program, supported by the State Government, which will provide a foundation for growth in the oat industry over the next 20 years.
The POP aims to increase the WA production of processed oats, grain yield and hectares sown, and support industry to capture a greater share of growing international demand for oat products.
To support this the POP is co-funding projects including:
- Global standard WA-specific breeding programs that are responsive to market needs
- Targeted on-farm productivity and capacity research
- New product development, and value adding and manufacturing opportunities
- Development of new export market opportunities to capture a greater share of growing international demand for oat products.
The Grain Industry Association of WA (GIWA), through the GIWA Oat Council, is the lead program partner and advisor, providing a communications portal between stakeholders. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the lead State Government agency for the program.
The State Government is investing $10.12 million in the POP. It is anticipated that industry partners will match this investment over the lifetime of the program by contributing cash, technical expertise, and other in-kind support.
The POP is managed by a Steering Committee which has representatives from across the oat supply chain including processing, grain production, breeding, market intelligence and product innovation, and State Government.
Why is the State Government investing in the oat industry?
There is growing demand for both raw and processed oat products, particularly in South-East Asia, North Asia and India. Western Australia is the largest producer of oats in Australia, putting the State in an advantageous position to capitalise on these growth opportunities. Investment in the POP supports the State Government’s priorities of creating more regional and metro jobs, economic diversification and more WA-based food manufacturing using local produce.
How long will the program run for?
The program started in the 2021/22 financial year and will run until June 2025.
Was industry consulted during the development of this program?
Yes. GIWA and DPIRD consulted closely with oat growers, processors, breeders, researchers and relevant State and Federal Government stakeholders to develop a business case for the POP. The program is now managed by a Steering Committee which has representatives from across the oat industry value chain – breeding, DPIRD research and development, grain production, processing, market intelligence and product innovation, and GIWA – ensuring ongoing industry engagement.
Can I get funding for a processed oat project?
The Steering Committee is keen to hear from food manufacturers, processors and growers who can co-invest in projects that support the aims of the POP. Please email [email protected].
Provision of services to assist existing or new WA oat processors seeking government grants
GIWA has engaged a consultant, John Connell, to provide assistance to eligible (existing and new) oat processing businesses seeking to submit expressions of interest and applications to current and future State Government or Australian Government grant funds relevant to investment in oat processing. John has considerable experience in this field.
The consultant is available to assist eligible businesses to gain access to grant funds to conduct feasibility studies and develop business plans or contribute to investment in infrastructure or other capital which would lead to increased demand for oats for processing in Western Australia.
The consultant’s role is to:
- help determine which grant program(s) is most suitable for the business’ need.
- provide advice on what information is required to be included to maximise the chance of success of their grant application(s).
- review draft grant application(s) and help the business determine if the application(s) contains all the required information, and if not, provide advice on what additional information is required to meet the grant program’s requirements and maximise the business’ chance of success.
The consultant’s role does NOT include:
- preparing the grant application for the business.
- preparing feasibility studies, business plans or capital works plans for the business.
View the Media Statement below and to access this service, contact [email protected]. All discussions will be considered commercial in confidence.
GIWA Media Statement – Consultant for oat processors in WA
Jump into a scholarship to study WA oats
Supported by POP, there are two Nuffield Scholarships available in 2024 aimed at advancing oat processing opportunities in Western Australia. The two scholarships will focus on research that benefits WA’s milling oat industry.
These scholarships might include innovative solutions and opportunities in oat agronomy, processing, industry sustainability, breeding, marketing. oat food and beverage product development or oat processing waste.
To find out more about the scholarships download the flyer below and head to Nuffield Australia to apply.
2024 Nuffield Scholarship – WA Oats Information
