Campaign gets behind producers

Ryan’s Quality Meats manager Danny Weir has thrown his support behind the State Government’s Buy West Eat Best campaign which runs throughout October.

The campaign encourages WA consumers to support local food and beverage producers by keeping an eye out for the program’s logo in shops and restaurants.

The program was launched in 2008 to provide West Australians and visitors with a trusted State-of-origin food and beverage brand mark.

Mr Weir said it was important for WA consumers to support WA businesses.

“I believe it is a good campaign and anything that helps WA grow is a brilliant initiative,” he said.

“It is just a chance for us to look after our own and support the industry.

“It is helping out our local farmers, our local truckies, our local brickies – the whole lot and it all stems through.”

Mr Weir said he believed the campaign had been a great success.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the evolution of Buy West Eat Best told the story of West Australians' affection for local produce.

“The program was borne out of demand from consumers wanting to know where their food was coming from,” she said.

“During the past decade, it has not only stood the test of time but flourished.

“Membership has grown from 38 founding members to more than 170, including major retailers, small growers, artisan producers, large scale processors, restaurants and food service providers.”

Ms MacTiernan said the success of the program paid tribute to the hard work of those involved and highlighted that food provenance remained a vital consideration for WA consumers.

“The criteria and compliance requirements behind the distinctive logo ensures credibility and assurance across industry that the product is grown, farmed or fished in Western Australia, and processed and packaged right here,” she said.