DAFWA jobs slashed

Farmers and unions have accused the State Government of putting WA's farming sector at risk after it slashed another 100 jobs at the Department of Agriculture and Food WA.

WAFarmers president Dale Park said the cuts were "madness" and put WA at risk of losing its reputation for producing clean and green food for booming export markets.

The Pastoralists and Graziers Association said it was vital the latest cuts did not affect biosecurity and other essential operations.

The Barnett Government has slashed about 550 jobs at DAFWA over the past six years.

The cuts put staff levels at just over 1000.

Community and Public Sector Union branch assistant secretary Rikki Hendon said agriculture had been targeted for some of the biggest cuts of any department.

"This is another big hit to a department which has been decimated," she said.

"We don't know which positions will be cut and what the effect on services will be. A lot those who are left are concerned about reduction in service."

DAFWA staff had until Monday to lodge interest in the redundancy package and could be shown the door by early next year.

It is believed at least another 100 jobs will go in the next few years.