Funds of up to $100,000 are being offered to industry partners to further grow Queensland’s food and fibre exports to international markets and to create good jobs.
Under the new Food and Fibre to Market – Industry Partnerships (FF2M), the Queensland Government will match funding between $50,000 to $100,000.
This will be available to membership-based industry organisations, or individual agribusinesses acting on behalf of a team to develop innovative supply chain projects.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said despite the disruptions of the past few years, in 2021-22 Queensland’s agriculture and food exports were valued at $10.7 billion, supporting thousands of good jobs.
“Our state is an export powerhouse and with one in five Queensland jobs relying on exports, growing international trade is critical to the future prosperity of our industries,“ he said.
“That’s why initiatives such as the FF2M program are vital to developing more productive, sustainable, transparent and resilient supply chains to international markets, particularly our Asian neighbours. Five of Queensland’s six leading export markets are in Asia.“
Mr Furner said these collaborative projects should capitalize on opportunities arising from current global trends in food and fibre, including health and wellness, the emergence of plant-based proteins, environmental and social governance, traceability and food safety.
“We want to see projects, for example, that support climate positive outcomes and improve our industries’ ESG credentials through the application of science and technology, as well as supporting good jobs,“ he said.
“Projects should also aim to improve the export capability of Queensland farmers, fishers, growers and their supply chain partners and contribute to broader industry development.”
Applications will be competitively assessed with successful project teams invited to develop collaborative agreements with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Expressions of Interest are open now and close on 10 February 2023. For more details go to: bit.ly/3GECa8R, or discus potential projects with a Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Program Manager by calling 13 25 23 or emailing trade@daf.qld.gov.au
