WA’s primary industries’ significant contribution to the state economy has been captured in a new publication, now available online.

The WA Primary Industries 2023-24 Economic Overview was prepared by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

The comprehensive report features valuable production and trade data, as well as useful insights into industry trends across the State’s agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture industries.

The overview is an invaluable reference document for industry, government and community planning, as well as a resource for potential entrepreneurs and trade partners.

DPIRD Primary Industries Development Deputy Director General Cec McConnell said the WA Primary Industries 2023-24 Economic Overview provided a definitive snapshot of the sector’s impact.

“This publication is a valuable guide that clearly demonstrates WA’s primary industries’ capacity to deliver high value, nutritious, ethically and sustainably produced products for consumers at home and abroad,” she said.

“It features the latest statistics from trusted sources, complemented by objective commentary to assist stakeholders throughout the primary industries supply chain to make informed decisions.

“DPRID continues to play an integral role supporting WA’s agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and food businesses to capitalise on global demand, while helping to protect and grow the sector.”

The gross value of production from WA’s agrifood, fibre, forestry and fisheries industries grew from about $10 billion in 2019-20 to more than $11b in 2023-24, following exceptional growing seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23 which delivered record grain crops.

Agriculture continues to be the State’s second largest export industry – behind the resources sector – with products destined for more than 120 international markets.

Total primary industries exports increased by more than 50 per cent to just over $13b in the four years to 2023-24, led by strong demand for cereals, canola and meat and livestock.

WA was Australia’s biggest cereals exporter in 2023-24 – with almost half the national share – and cereals was the state’s largest primary industries export, accounting for more than 50 per cent of total exports, worth more than $7b.

Canola exports came in second at around 20 per cent, followed by meat and livestock with around 10 per cent share of all exports.

The value of horticulture production increased over the previous four years, driven by fruit and amenity products, while wool, dairy, fisheries and apiculture remained largely stable. Recent data shows aquaculture production also grew in 2023-24.

WA’s largest primary industries export markets are China and Japan, while there has been a notable increase in demand from nearby south east Asian countries.

High international demand for sheep and beef protein continues, driven mainly by China, Indonesia, the United States and Israel, while much of WA’s seafood is destined for premium markets in China and other parts of Asia.