The agribusiness and food sector will play a vital role in Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID-19, with a $12.5 million funding package from the Palaszczuk Government.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the package today as part of the second stage of her government’s Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan.
“At the last meeting of the Queensland Industry Recovery Alliance, Agforce told us that regional Queensland can do the heavy lifting in the recovery and I absolutely agree,” the Premier said.
“This $12.5 million funding package for the sector will provide an initial economic boost to the agribusiness and food sector, transition and transform it post COVID-19, and accelerate the State’s economic recovery.”
The initiatives funded under the $12.5 million Economic Recovery: Strengthening Queensland’s Agribusiness and Food Sector include:
- $5.5 million digital transformation in agribusiness – to develop integrated supply chains that improve traceability, biosecurity and food safety.
- $5 million reinvigorated agricultural trade relationships – to support e-commerce and virtual trade facilitation in key markets and assist coordination of demand for additional regular air freighter services.
- $2 million agribusiness diversification assistance – to build capability and explore potential diversification opportunities in agricultural businesses, including for tourism.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the disruption from COVID-19 presented an opportunity for the agribusiness and food sector to grow, diversify and take advantage of technologies to boost productivity.
“By capitalising on its strong position as a consistent supplier of premium and safe products, the industry can lead the economic recovery and support domestic and international food security,” he said.
“A skilled and capable workforce and growing demand for high-quality products will stimulate exports, regional employment and domestic consumption.”
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Trade and Investment Queensland have developed the Economic Recovery: Strengthening Queensland’s Agribusiness and Food Sector package in consultation with industry.
