$3.3 million boost for ag sector in new round of Rural Economic Development Grants

• Expressions of interest open for round six of Rural Economic Development Grants
• $3.3 million to support good jobs and better services in rural and regional Queensland
• EOIs will close on 28 March 2024

Rural businesses across Queensland’s primary production sector can now submit an expression of interest (EOI) for round six of the Government’s successful Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants scheme.

The co-contribution grants of up to $200,000 will continue to strengthen primary production sectors and bolster jobs in rural and regional communities.

The new round, worth $3.3 million, will generate jobs, expand agricultural supply chains and provide significant economic benefit to rural areas.

Grant funding may be used for activities such as capital expenditure on buildings, plant and equipment, as well as consumables used for the project.

It may also be used for training costs and technical support for specific projects, as well as salary and on-costs for staff and professionals working on activities for the funded project.

EOIs for the sixth round of the RED Grant scheme will close on 28 March 2024. Successful EOIs will be advised by 17 May 2024 and then be invited to submit a full application by 21 June, with final grants awarded from 16 August 2024.

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administers the RED Grant scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

For more information visit qrida.qld.gov.au/program/rural-economic-development-grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

“Since the first round in 2018, our Government’s RED Grant scheme has committed almost $20 million towards Queensland’s agricultural sector and created more than 3,200 new direct and indirect jobs.

“After seeing the tremendous jobs growth and economic benefits the RED Grants have generated to date, it was a no-brainer for this Government to continue investing in rural communities and agricultural businesses that thrive as a result of this scheme.

“Currently, projects funded under round five of the RED Grant scheme are underway, including a North Queensland mixed beef, cane and horticulture operation that is building on-farm accommodation for up to 50 workers, and a Sunshine Coast nursery constructing a micro-propagation laboratory to grow at-risk marine plant species.

“With a six-year track record of empowering rural and regional economies to flourish, these $200,000 co-contribution grants are creating a positive ripple effect throughout entire communities.

“I encourage all interested Queensland rural businesses across the primary production value chain to submit an expression of interest for Round Six of the RED Grants.”

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