Investing in rural economic development and boosting export opportunities are on the agenda for the Queensland government as it announces its 2017/18 budget.
The government will provide A$1.3m over to years to help growers expand their exports, which includes the reintroduction of its ‘Global Markets Initiative’ wit focus on improving international competitiveness and profitability.
Growers will be able to apply for grants of up to A$75,000 to assist in better understand export markets.
The funding for horticultural producers is part of a larger A$5.2m Rural Economic Development package to drive investment, growth and support for rural communities.
Queensland minister for agriculture and fisheries, and minister for rural economic development, Bill Byrne, said that packaging would see the state government work more closely with rural communities to grow economic opportunities.
“The package will see specialised assistance for fruit and vegetable growers to capture new export opportunities, the establishment of a Rural Economies Centre of Excellence and a One-Stop Service to help private sector investors navigate various approval and development processes more quickly in North Queensland,” Byrne said.
Queensland in the largest producer of vegetables, and second largest produce of fruit and nuts in Australia.
