2004, Volume 12, Paper 5

ISSN: 1883-5675

Agricultural Processing and the WA Economy: A General Equilibrium Analysis

Peter Johnson – Economic Research Centre, University of Western Australia .
Nazrul Islam – Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of an expansion in agricultural processing on the Western Australian economy by modifying and applying a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) economic model of Western Australia (called WAM). WAM was used to simulate the effects of a $1 million expansion in eight agricultural processing industries. The results show that there is a range of positive impacts from agricultural processing. On average, a $1 million expansion in agricultural processing is estimated to increase the State’s GSP (Gross State Product) by $649,000, and total output by $1.9 million. The expansion of the Wine and spirits industry is estimated to have the largest impact while the Textile fibres, yarns and woven fabrics industry has the smallest impact on the Western Australian economy.

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