Australian horticultural producers will benefit from a A$5.3m (US$ 3.7m) boost to the federal government’s Package Assisting Small Exporters programme.
The additional funding, which will support 31 projects across a variety of commodities, delivers on the Coalition Government’s key election commitment to supporting small exporters through its A$15m (US$10.5m) four-year project.
Upon announcing the funding injection, Australian minister for agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, highlighted a number of benefits it would bring to the fresh produce sector.
“There’s funding for biosecurity management for the growing cherry industry … to leverage our enviable international reputation for safe, reliable, high quality produce,” Joyce explained.
“These grants also exploit new technologies, with a mobile app for kangaroo products, online systems making it easier and quicker for table grape and citrus growers to get export accreditation and one-stop-shop databases helping grain growers negotiating prices. There’s also a study into innovative packaging for green leafy vegetables that could not only improve the shelf life of vegetables but may broaden markets for a host of horticultural products.”
Joyce said the targeted support comes on the back of historic trade agreements the government has signed with China, Japan and South Korea, along with recent access for mangos and lychees to the US.
The funding is in addition to the A$1.3m (US$915,000) already provided in rebates to assist small exporters with export registration charges.
“Access to premium overseas markets is an important element of driving profits back through the farmgate for our nation’s farmers—assisting Australia’s smaller exporters in particular demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to looking after all of our producers,” Joyce said.
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