The Queensland Farmers Federation have welcomed the second round funding of the Package Assisting Small Exporters (PASE).
Around $2 million in funding is now available for projects to improve market access for Australian dairy, egg, fish, grain, plant, horticulture and meat exports, through
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, announced the funding was part of the Coalition’s 2013 election commitment which provides $15 million over four years to boost trade opportunities for small exporters.
“The Coalition is committed to building our regions and that means building our export markets to create more jobs and wealth in regional Australia,” Minister Joyce said.
“Australia produces some of the world’s best agricultural goods, which has helped us maintain our fair share of valuable market access and ensures strong farmgate returns for our farmers.
President of the Queensland Farmers Federation, Stuart Armitage said the continuation of the PASE program is a great news for Queensland farmers as it can lead to new and improved market access for small exporters.
“Global demand for Queensland agricultural products is high, so as export markets and trade opportunities continue to evolve it is important we can capitalize on them,” Mr Armitage said
“QFF commends the Federal Government’s continued support for the agriculture sector through programs like PASE.”
Other projects funded previously under Round one included $250,000 to support Australian avocado growers to access markets in Asia and the Middle East, more than $270,000 for two projects to boost the overall potential of kangaroo meat exports and more than $340,000 to support valuable opportunities for NSW cherry exports into international markets, like Indonesia.
Minister Joyce said the Coalition Government wanted to see more of these projects brought to life with Round 2 officially open to interested parties, who can now apply for a share of almost $2 million to further improve Australia’s competitiveness in the international marketplace.
“I would strongly encourage those with an innovative, valuable idea that will support Australia’s small exporters to get their submission in by 27 March to help us ensure a sustainable and bright future for our agriculture industries,” Minister Joyce said.
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
