Stepping up PASE to support Australian grain exporters

The Hon David Littleproud MP
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management
  • The Australian Oilseeds Federation Inc awarded grants to tout their sustainability credentials internationally.
  • Package Assisting Small Exporters (PASE) program funding will go towards developing an industry sustainability certification scheme and educating small exporters on accessing markets where sustainability certification is a requirement.
  • The Australian Oilseeds Federation Inc (AOF) has been awarded $97,500 in Australian Government funding to develop a sustainability certification scheme and to educate small exporters on accessing markets where industry sustainability certification is a requirement.

    Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud said the project would assist small exporters to promote sustainable grain practices.

    “Australia produces some of the world’s best grain, which has helped us maintain our fair share of valuable market access and ensures strong farmgate returns for our farmers,” Minister Littleproud said.

    “The funding will help AOF to adapt the existing International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) canola scheme to be applicable for other small Australian grain exporters.

    “The ISCC canola scheme has been recognised by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative and is the only sustainability scheme currently in place for Australian grain.

    “Implementing an internationally accepted and recognised grain sustainability scheme will enable small grain exporters to access new market opportunities particularly where buyers require industry certified sustainable grain.”

    “This is just another way the Australian Government is continuing to provide long term benefits to producers and existing exporters, while also opening up new market access opportunities.”

    Fast Facts:

    • The value of oilseed exports for 2020-21 is forecast to be $1,604.3 million
    • The Package Assisting Small Exporters was established in 2014-15 to improve market access for small exporters in the dairy, fish, eggs, grain, plant, horticulture, meat and animal industries. The original program supported 58 projects to a total value of $10.45 million.
    • The program was extended in 2019 and made available $5 million in grant funding for projects.

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