23 April 2010
DAFF10/417B

Produce Marketing Association Australia New Zealand Limited will receive funding from the Rudd Government to run a series of seminars for producers and floral businesses to build capacity and improve networking and promotion activities.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said Australia’s potential for exporting flowers lies in its unique native flora.

“Australia has a rich resource of valuable new flowers and native flora just waiting to be fully developed and marketed to the world,” Mr Burke said.

“Exports of Australian nursery products and cut flowers were valued at $26 million in 2008-09, with key markets in the Netherlands, Japan, the USA and Germany.”

The funding of up to $150,000 will be used to run 6 one-day ‘fresh forums’ to provide horticulture producers and commercial growers with business tools and networking opportunities to more effectively promote their products.

The project is one of 14 to share in nearly $1.3 million from the Rudd Government to help promote Australia’s food and forest industries to domestic and export markets.

It is the second round of funding under the three-year Promoting Australian Produce initiative – a key election commitment for rural and regional industries.