It may not generate the kind of wealth that comes out of mining, property, or selling a big business, but the attractiveness of agricultural investments for wealthy Sandgropers is plain to see.
Cost-of-living pressures have driven a sharp uptick in both customer numbers and revenue for Tony Galati's Spudshed, almost tripling its previous year's profit.
A famed Kimberley pastoral operation and owner of northern WA's only large abattoir has fallen into the hands of administrators and is allegedly millions of dollars in debt.
Revenue and profit at local independent food player Spudshed were boosted by pandemic-related buying, although Tony Galati's company joined the ranks of those concerned about labour shortages.
SPECIAL REPORT: The increased use of technology in one family-owned WA agribusiness is an example of many changes happening in the industry more broadly.
The founders of four Western Australian businesses, in industries ranging from mining software and horticulture to construction and industrial equipment, have been selected as finalists in the 2017 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards.
Potato growers say farmers may be forced to accept a $650,000 reimbursement offer from the Western Australian government over a failed legal battle with Perth's maverick 'Spud King', despite it being less than half of what they are owed.
A period of strong cattle prices has boosted Western Australia's largest pastoral companies, with the state's four biggest cattle-focused plays increasing revenue about 9 per cent to $1 billion in their most recent annual reports.
The state's high labour costs and lack of available farmworkers will make it difficult to compete globally in agribusiness, potato grower Tony Galati told today's Business News Success & Leadership breakfast.
Agriculture Minister Dean Nalder has made his first major move since being given the role, announcing the deregulation of the state's potato industry and a handsome $14 million compensation package for growers.
An industry consortium led by members of the Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries in WA has been selected as the preferred bidder for Market City, putting the state government a step closer to its first major asset sale.
Potato growers have poured cold water over reports earlier today that they'll support deregulation of the industry, with the Potato Marketing Corporation saying it did not make any such recommendations and one senior grower representative labeling it a media stunt.
Tony Galati's battle with the Potato Marketing Corporation has been dealt a setback, after the regulator won an injunction from the Supreme Court to prevent him producing more than his allocated quota, until at least January 2.
Potato farmers are disappointed with the state government's reported decision to abolish the industry regulator after the 2017 election, but have said they are willing to consider changes to eliminate some of the most controversial legislation governing their trade.
