Queensland agribusiness exporters that have been directly affected by the outbreak of coronavirus now have access to an industry grants package of up to $50,000.
Agriculture minister Mark Furner announced on Thursday that applications were open in the new Market Diversification and Resilience Grants Program.
Aimed at helping agriculture, food and fishing exporters, their critical supply chain partners and industry organisations to build resilience by diversifying into new markets, applicants must co-invest at least 50 per cent of the total project cost.
Types of activities that are eligible include market evaluation studies, market visits, staff training, new equipment such as refrigeration, and boat modifications necessary to meet market requirements.
"We are doing everything we can to help Queensland's agricultural exporters through this difficult time," Mr Furner said. "Priority will be given to those businesses directly impacted by the coronavirus outbreak."
As an example, exporters in the live coral trout and tropical rock lobster industries who have lost their traditional markets in China and Hong Kong, can apply for assistance to readjust and find alternative markets in Australia and overseas.
"(Grants) can be used to assist with purchasing new equipment including refrigerators, freezers or filleting machines," Mr Furner added.
In the component of the program dedicated to new equipment purchases up to a value of $10,000, applicants must contribute 25 per cent of the total.
For example, if the total equipment cost is $10,000, the applicant will pay $2500 and the MDRG program will pay $7500.
Examples of eligible equipment purchases include, but are not limited to freezers, refrigerators, vacuum packaging machines, storage equipment, and filleting machines.
These will be assessed as soon as applications are received and Mr Furner said applicants would be notified within days as to their success or otherwise.
Applications opened on Thursday and will close on April 20.
The grants are part of a state $27.25 million coronavirus industry recovery package and are in addition to other assistance already in place to support directly-impacted commercial fisheries businesses, especially the live coral trout and tropical rock lobster fisheries.
The $3.66 million commercial fishing industry assistance package includes:
- waiving tropical rock lobster and coral trout quota fees for the first six months of 2020, and fishing boat licence fee waivers for these and other fisheries affected by coronavirus, such as mud crab
- expanding the tropical rock lobster fishery area for 3 months. This will reduce operating costs for quota holders and allow fishers to sell product into other markets while maintaining crew and jobs in the short term
- a local seafood promotion campaign to encourage Queenslanders to support local fishers by buying local
- rural financial counselling services for commercial fishers, fishery supply chain and tourism businesses impacted by coronavirus
Exporters who would like to know more can contact the grants team at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23, or email MDRG@daf.qld.gov.au
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
