New report confirms council adds millions in economic value
A new independent economic assessment has confirmed the Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC) is a major economic driver for Western Australia’s Southern Forests region, generating more than A$6.1mn in direct economic value in 2023/24 alone through its branding, marketing, industry development and grower support initiatives.
Commissioned by the SFFC and undertaken by Lucid Economics, the report highlights the organisation’s critical role in supporting one of Western Australia’s most productive and diverse agricultural regions – an industry worth A$750mn annually across the Shires of Manjimup, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, and Nannup.
Despite being a small, efficient and results-driven team, the SFFC continues to deliver outsized impact across multiple sectors of regional agriculture.
The SFFC acknowledged the state Government for its crucial support, with a A$725,000 investment over two and a half years announced back in October 2023. This funding has been vital in enabling the SFFC to continue delivering programmes that strengthen local growers, enhance the Genuinely Southern Forests brand, and build a more resilient and sustainable future for the region.
SFFC said the assessment demonstrates that the Council delivers a significant return on investment (ROI) for the Western Australian government. Through increased productivity, market premiums and new revenue across the region, the SFFC’s activities generate several multiples of the state’s annual financial contribution, delivering tangible, measurable value back into regional communities, farms and businesses.
“This report confirms that even with a small and highly efficient team, the SFFC continues to deliver substantial value for growers and for Western Australia. Our carbon pilot demonstrates real on-farm benefits, and our new Southern Forests Young Growers network ensures the next generation is equipped to lead with confidence, innovation and resilience,” said Arthur Wilson, chair of the Southern Forests Food Council.
“Our collaborative approach means growers can compete with confidence, adopt new technologies, diversify their businesses and build long-term sustainability for the region.”
The report also acknowledged the momentum generated by the SFFC’s carbon pilot programme, which recently concluded with strong engagement from growers and early evidence of improved readiness for carbon reporting and market expectations.
The pilot demonstrated that even small adjustments in farm practice and measurement can lead to productivity gains, reduced costs, and retained market opportunities for producers seeking to future-proof their businesses in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
Growers participating in the pilot have already reported increased confidence in managing emissions and identifying opportunities for on-farm improvements.
The Genuinely Southern Forests (GSF) brand was also highlighted as of the region’s strongest economic assets, generating A$3.23mn in premium value for growers in 2023/24.
Complementary digital marketing and editorial exposure generated an additional A$128,000 in earned media value, further strengthening the region’s reputation for premium produce.
