The State Government has announced a landmark $55.7 million investment to establish a new Primary Industries Research Centre in Jandakot, a move set to significantly bolster the research and development capabilities underpinning Western Australia’s entire agriculture sector. For agritourism operators, whose businesses are fundamentally tied to the land, this investment in agricultural science is a critical step towards long-term sustainability, productivity, and the development of new diversification opportunities.
Announced on 1 October 2025, the new 2.75-hectare facility will become the central hub for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) research functions. It will house approximately 100 scientific and research staff and support innovation across key disciplines including plant pathology, crop genetics, agronomy, and molecular biology.
Strengthening On-Farm Resilience and Competitiveness
The core mission of the new centre is to advance agricultural science in a way that directly benefits producers. The research conducted will address persistent challenges such as crop diseases, climate resilience, and genetic improvements, which are fundamental to the economic viability of every farm and station in WA.
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis emphasised the strategic importance of the investment.
“This $55.7 million investment in research and innovation demonstrates the Cook Government’s commitment to future-proofing our agriculture sector,” she said.
“The important research undertaken by DPIRD scientists has long provided benefits to WA producers and our economy, and the Primary Industries Research Centre and the new field trial site will bolster DPIRD’s research capacity.”
New Field Trial Site to Accelerate Practical Research
In addition to the Jandakot facility, the government has also secured a 5.5-hectare site in Wanneroo for field research trials for grain, pastures, and irrigated agriculture, set to commence in 2026. This complements DPIRD’s existing network of over 250 research trials across the state.
This commitment to practical, on-the-ground testing ensures that scientific breakthroughs are translated into actionable strategies that can be implemented on farms. For agritourism operators, this means future access to more resilient crop varieties, improved land management techniques, and data-driven insights to optimise their primary production activities.
A Coordinated Approach to Agricultural Advancement
This new infrastructure joins the State Biosecurity Response Centre, which opened in 2024, creating a coordinated network of facilities designed to protect and advance WA’s primary industries. By integrating research, development, and biosecurity, the government aims to enhance the sector’s ability to compete on a global stage.
As Minister Jarvis stated,
“Together with the new State Biosecurity Response Centre these new facilities will help capture the benefits of next generation science and innovation and ensure WA’s primary industries remain internationally competitive.” This long-term vision is essential for securing the future of farming in WA and, by extension, the authentic agricultural experiences that define the state’s agritourism offering.
