Eleven Western Australian agribusinesses will share in $408,000 in the third round of the McGowan Government's Grants for Asian Market Export, designed to stimulate new export opportunities, economic growth and jobs.
Matching funding of between $20,000 to $50,000 has been provided to grant recipients seeking to implement strategies, models and export promotions to value-add to their products and become more competitive in Asian markets.
"There has been strong interest in this program, reflecting the great work being done in WA's rapidly growing high-value premium food and beverage sector," Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said. "Asia continues to be the major export destination for WA agricultural products, led by China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan."
Among the successful recipients in the fruit and vegetable sector, WA Corn Growers will receive $50,000 to develop trayless, 100 per cent recyclable sweet corn packaging to compete more effectively on quality and price in selected Asian markets.
Northern Valley Packers will receive $45,000 to research 'Near Infrared' technologies to ensure the purchase of the most suitable equipment to sort and deliver fruit with specific sweetness levels to satisfy export markets.
Tosum (Capogreco Farms) has received $25,000 towards installing and implementing a robotic palletiser in its pack house in order to lower melon production costs and become more internationally competitive.
Pemberton Fresh also will get $25,000 to develop strategies to introduce additional premium fruit, vegetables and value-added products, complementing existing potato exports to Singapore.
While Bahen & Co will receive $37,000 to construct a macadamia nut coating facility to value-add to WA macadamia nuts and meet growing demand in premium Asian retail markets.
Other agriculture sectors to receive grants include beef, lamb, seafood and wine.
"The Grants for Asian Market Export has been an important initiative that has already supported 14 diverse WA agribusinesses to build their enterprises to be in a strong position to pursue the Asian market," Minister MacTiernan said. "This round of grants will assist another 11 recipients to take their businesses to the next level, so they can be confident to pursue a share of the highly competitive Asian markets."
More information on the Grants for Asian Market Export, administered as a part of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Asian Market Success project, is available at www.agric.wa.gov.au