12 January 2009
DAFF09/181B

The Rudd Government is helping wheat exporters develop markets for Australian growers to maximise the benefits of the new, competitive wheat export marketing system.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke today urged exporters to apply for grants under the Wheat Export Technical Market Support Grants Program.

Funds under the program are available to all exporters, with priority to be given to new or smaller exporters or niche marketers.

It is designed to support innovative export ideas which establish long-term sales relationships, rather than one-off sales or new product development.

The program is funded as part of the Government’s $9.3 million transitional assistance package following the introduction of a new bulk wheat export marketing system in 2008.

“The grants will assist new exporters and help to develop new sales opportunities for wheat, particularly in niche markets,” Mr Burke said.

“The Government wants to help exporters take advantage of the opportunities available in the new marketing environment which has given choice to growers for the first time in 60 years.

“The program will benefit exporters who are new to the business or have less experience or financial capacity to deliver effective technical market support.”

Work eligible for funding under the program includes:

• using consultants to advise on technical market support;
• visiting potential customers and bringing buyers to Australia to establish and develop market opportunities; and
• technical assistance on processing Australian wheat to meet customer requirements.

Funding of up to $200,000 a year will be available for three years starting in 2008-09. Each exporter can apply for up to $60,000 in assistance.

Applications for the first round of funding close on 31 January 2009.