More money on the table for export ready food producers

Another round of Queensland Government grants of up to $100,000 are on the table for eligible food businesses that are ready to export their produce overseas.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the second round of the Growing Queensland’s Food Export grants program would open July 1.

“The $1.3 million program aims to boost Queensland’s food exports, delivering jobs and economic growth in regional areas,” Mr Furner said

“This innovative pilot program supports producers and food businesses in improving their export competitiveness through better understanding of their markets, as well as identifying trade, technical, logistics and market development needs.”

Mr Furner said more than $500,000 had been allocated so far under the Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program.

“We’re already assisting macadamia, mango, melon, strawberry, sweet corn and pork producers across the state to build their business and take advantage of opportunities to grow exports,” he said.

“The program recently supported a delegation of Queensland strawberry growers who travelled to Hong Kong and Indonesia to develop markets for the locally-bred Red Rhapsody strawberry.”

Mr Furner encouraged export-ready food producers to get on board when the second round of funding opened.

“The program will provide matched funding of $50,000 to $100,000 over two years for each eligible project and applicants must co-contribute at least 50 per cent of the total project funds required,” he said.

Interested applicants are invited to submit concept proposals during the application period from 1 July until 1 August 2018.

To find out more, food producers should call 13 25 23 or email GQFE@daf.qld.gov.au.

Media: Brock Taylor - 0427 018 178