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National Farmers' Federation

Trade package important commitment for farmers

The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the Agri-Business Expansion Initiative announced today by Minister Littleproud and Minister Tehan.

The package includes:

  • $42.9 million to allow Austrade to work with industry bodies to deliver targeted assistance and trade missions.
  • $18.4 million for expansion of the Agricultural Trade and Market Access (ATMAC) program.
  • $3.4 million to expand the Agriculture Counsellor network.
  • $6.8 million investment in enhanced scientific and technical market access capacity.
  • $1 million boost to Australia’s market intelligence capability.

“The measures announced today will help Australia farmers unlock export opportunities in new and existing markets,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.

They will enable industry to partly offset the impacts of recent trade disruptions by accessing greater market intelligence, matched grants to work on market expansion, and additional experts to open and expand market access.

Mr Mahar stressed that today’s announcement must be the first step in a long-term strategy to improve the resilience of Australia’s farm exports.

“If Australian agriculture is to reach $100 billion by 2030, an aspiration to which both the NFF and the Australian Government have committed, then today needs to mark the beginning of a years-long, industry-government partnership focussed on market diversification, market access issues, marketing and product promotion, market development and the improvement of domestic integrity systems.

“We are pleased with the contents of today’s package. It demonstrates that the Government is committed to rural and regional Australia and recognises the gravity of the challenges facing industry.

“We encourage the Government to, in close consultation with the sector, consider further measures to improve the stability and security of Australia’s farm exports,” Mr Mahar said.

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