11 May 2009
DAFF09/239B

The Rudd Government has announced funding to help nine wheat exporters maximise opportunities from Australia’s reformed wheat export marketing system.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke today said a total of more than $180,000 had been committed under the first round of the Wheat Export Technical Market Support Grants.

The nine exporters to share in the funding include five companies who will be exporting wheat for the first time.

The companies are based in NSW, Victoria and Queensland and will receive up to $60,000 each.

“Supporting these exporters will underpin jobs in the wheat industry and help to cushion the impact of the global recession on regional Australia,” Mr Burke said.

“The export proposals showcase the innovation which is emerging under the new export system and the range of opportunities now available to growers and exporters.

“Projects will target niche marketing opportunities in new and existing markets, using measures including quality assurance, paddock-to-plate traceability and organic grain certification.

“These projects will help to build long-term export relationships with customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.”

The Wheat Export Technical Market Support Grants are part of the Government’s $9.37 million transitional assistance package to help the Australian wheat industry make the transition to the new system.

Under the three-year program, up to $200,000 is available each year to help wheat exporters deliver effective technical market support to international customers.