Australian farmers and agricultural producers may get help to tap into dynamic overseas markets through a $1.5 million grant opportunity supporting stronger trade relationships.
Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program extension was a government election commitment designed to break down trade barriers for agricultural exporters.
“The program will run over four years until 2023 and successful applicants for the 2020 round of competitive grants-opening today and worth a total this year of $1.5 million-will be announced in June,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Australia is one of the world’s top 10 agricultural exporting countries, but we have ambitions to build a $100 billion food and fibre sector by 2030 and reaching our target means grabbing hold of new export opportunities and improving existing ones.
“Our government started this program back in 2016, and this program will provide grants worth up to $440,000 for projects to help reduce technical trade hurdles for our agricultural exports.
“Successful grant recipients of the original 2016 program included the Winemakers Federation of Australia to improve access to the Chinese wine market allowing producers to claim a share of the $1.2 billion wine exports to China.
“It’s a way to help farmers extend their control down the value add chain to improve profits.
“Funding priorities will include projects that help our trading partners’ respond to foreign pest and disease incursions like African swine fever currently sweeping across Asia, as well as increasing their knowledge of Australia’s world-leading biosecurity, food safety and border compliance systems.
“Other priorities include projects that will help Australia realise market access opportunities under recently ratified free trade agreements secured by our government, as well as helping negotiations for new and improved market access.
“There are enormous opportunities for Australian agriculture with booming populations in our region and beyond.
“The ATMAC program is part of a $29.4 million investment by our government to deepen Australian access to new and existing markets, while supporting the global trading system’s operation and rules.”
ATMAC applications close on 31 January 2020. To apply visit the grant hub: https://www.grants.gov.au/
