Growing the overseas customer base for Australian cotton is the key driver behind new federal funding for the industry.
Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) and Cotton Australia have been awarded a $890,000 Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant for targeted engagement, education, and communication activities to improve trade.
The Taking Australian Cotton to the World – Realising the Opportunity project will use the grant to enable cotton growers to broaden the network of supply chain partners and customers.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the Albanese Government was helping to protect and grow the cotton industry by investing in both biosecurity and improving market access.
“Australia’s cotton trade needs to be more diversified and resilient to trade disruptions caused by COVID-19 and global logistics issues,” Minister Watt said.
“Through this new grant, we’re backing Australian cotton producers and exporters to be even more competitive, resilient, and to explore and realise opportunities in new markets.
“ATMAC funding has already helped industry generate significant demand for Australian cotton and to export a record crop of 5.6 million bales.
“We continue to work with the agriculture industry to reach its goal of $100 billion in farmgate value by 2030.”
ACSA Chairman Matthew Bradd said there are around 1,500 cotton farms in Australia and the industry supports thousands of Australian jobs.
“Building on ATMAC and industry success to date the latest grant will enable ACSA to fully realise the opportunities created and drive further demand for Australian cotton in new and emerging markets, through targeted engagement, education and communication with supply chain partners and customers.
“This will ensure Australian cotton remains not only competitive on the world market but seen as the fibre-of-choice for an increasing number of supply chain partners.”
