21 May 2009
DAFF09/252B

Australia’s wine, dairy, sheep and wool producers will benefit from Australian Government funding of more than $775,000 to help promote the industries nationally and around the world.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has announced funding for four major events under the Promoting Australian Produce (Major Events) program.

The funding includes:

• More than $56,890 to the South Australian Wine Industry Association for the 5th  Australian Wine Industry Environment Conference and Technical Tour in Adelaide in September – to focus on climate change adaptation, measuring carbon footprints, changing global markets and more;
• More than $245,340 to World Sheep and Wool Council Ltd for the World Sheep and Wool Congress 2010, which will be held in Sydney next year – to showcase the Australian wool and sheep industry to the world, promote new technologies and boost productivity;
• More than $413,200 to Dairy Australia for the Dairy Live national video conferencing event linking eight major dairy regions in June this year – to help participants understand what drives domestic and international dairy markets, including climate variability; and
• $60,000 to Dairy Australia for the Australian Dairy Discovery functions held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – which showcased Australian dairy products to the Middle East and promoted our food safety systems.

Promoting Australian Produce (Major Events) supports major national events that boost collaboration, innovation and productivity in the food and fibre sectors.

“A key way to support jobs in rural and regional Australia during the global recession is to promote our primary industries and help to expand trade market access,” Mr Burke said.

“These events will showcase our wine, dairy, sheep and wool industries to the rest of the world and help to share new technologies, build relationships and establish new markets.”

Applications for funding under Promoting Australian Produce (Major Events) are open and will be assessed continuously until 31 May 2009.

To be eligible for funding, project activities must be completed by 30 June 2009.