FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has welcomed news that local producers will be among those who benefit from $5.3 million worth of projects to assist small exporters with market access.
The grants, announced by the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, under the Government’s Package Assisting Small Exporters Programme, delivers on an election commitment to support small exporters through a $15 million, four-year package.
“Access to premium overseas markets is an important element of driving profits back through the farm gate for our nation’s primary producers,” Minister Joyce said.
“This funding will give our small exporters a real leg-up to international markets in a move that can help them, and our communities, grow significantly,” Mr Entsch added.
The funding, which will be provided directly to industry bodies and will benefit a range of local producers, includes:
• $984,500 over three years for Dairy Australia to develop the knowledge, capabilities, and food-safety culture of small to medium dairy businesses;
• $551,757 over three years for the Commonwealth Fisheries Association’s national residue testing program that will further enhance Australia’s export reputation for clean seafood;
• $250,000 over three years for Avocados Australia to help avocado growers access markets in Asia and the Middle East;
• $108,617 over 12 months for Citrus Australia to develop an online export registration system that will provide faster, simpler export accreditation for citrus growers;
• $102,300 over 12 months for Australian Egg Corporation to develop a national Salmonella Entertidis Monitoring and Accreditation Programme, that will demonstrate food safety and could assist in gaining access to multiple export markets;
• $95,255 over two years for Ausveg to develop a training package for vegetable growers in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia to increase exporting skills;
• $92,400 over 12 months for the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for a study into innovative packaging for air freight that will improve the shelf life and quality of vegetables; and
• $87,560 over 12 months for the Australian Mangoes Industry Association to help mango growers develop an export strategy that will boost their export potential.
“This funding comes on the back of a number of trade agreements we’ve signed with China, Japan and Korea, the opening of seven new live export destinations and 43 technical market access breakthroughs,” said Mr Entsch.
“It also follows our $30.8 million spend to expand our network of agricultural counsellors as they continue to improve our access in key overseas markets.”
Under this Package Assisting Small Exporters Programme, a total of $5.3 million (GST inclusive) has been committed so far to small exporters of fish, meat, egg, dairy, grains and horticulture – on top of the $1.3 million already provided in rebates to help small exporters with export registration charges.
More information on the Programme can be found at the Department of Agriculture’s website: www.agriculture.gov.au/export/product-overseas/package-assisting-small-exporters
