An Australian-first solar-powered vertical farm is among six innovative Peel projects that will share in almost $800,000 worth of state government funding.
Round four of the Regional Economic Development (RED) grants will support agrifood, beverage development and manufacturing projects.
A $170,000 grant will support Eden Towers to build a vertical farm as part of its Growing Bush Foods program, which aims to establish new products in a booming market.
Eden Towers founder Christian Prokscha said the grant would help the company build a laboratory and employ locally.
"We are building 12-metre high towers where we can really optimise the amount of growing we do - there are 37 racks of produce on each tower," he said.
"On a 40 square metre footprint we can produce the same amount as what would be on 4000 to 6000 square metres on a traditional field."
Eden Farms will work with the local Indigenous community to see what Indigenous foods they can grow for bush tucker and medicinal purposes.
Caravan King will use a $160,000 grant to expand its workshop, allowing the business to meet supercharged demand for caravan maintenance and repairs in the Peel.
Caravan King owner Corey Bryant said the grant would be a big help in building new facilities.
"This year we are looking at building a new workshop premises with the aim of employing extra technicians, sales people and front office staff," he said.
"The grant will allow us to do it now rather than save and fund it ourselves down the track."
Spinifex Brewery will receive $150,000 to increase its packaged beer sales in the Australian domestic market and export the 'Taste of Australia' range by installing a canning line in the brewery.
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Smartstream Technology's $120,000 grant will help fund the procurement, installation and commissioning of a rotomoulding machine, allowing the company to expand and meet demand for its waste and storm water products.
Chaff City's expansion will be backed by a $90,000 grant for equipment to semi-automate the mixing and packaging processes for its animal muesli and grain mix production.
Hunsa Smallgoods will receive $90,000 towards a vacuum fill and portion system to increase its capacity to export.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said RED grants make regions stronger.
"The grants help business not just survive but thrive...we want to give these businesses a boost to attract more people to the region."
