A national program designed to build trust in Australian agricultural exports to Southeast Asia has awarded 11 new grants totalling $3.9 million to industries and institutions on the cutting edge of supply chain traceability.
Deputy Secretary of Agricultural Trade and Regulation Group, Tina Hutchison, said the initiative aimed to support collaborative projects that build on the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy.
"Grants through the Building Trust in Australian Agricultural Traceability and Credentials program are designed to build credibility and establish robust traceability credentials for Australian agriculture in Southeast Asia," Ms Hutchison said.
"My huge congratulations to the successful applicants. These grant recipients are now working to significantly advance our traceability efforts in Southeast Asia. That's vital work to grow new and existing markets and build confidence in Australian products that are safe, sustainable, and traced through all stages of production."
"It is important that our Southeast Asian counterparts see how methodically we prioritise tracing Australian produce from paddock to plate."
Each organisation awarded a grant is working towards achieving traceability goals and establishing mutually prosperous relationships with our international consumers.
"These new grants will assist the industry to establish comprehensive traceability systems throughout Southeast Asia, reinforcing Australia's commitment to the highest standards of agricultural production and export," said Ms Hutchison.
The institutions that have been selected for the grant round and their winning projects include:
- Australian Table Grape Association: 'Australian Table Grapes Southeast Asia Export Traceability – B2C & B2B Engagement Platform.'
- Australian Mango Industry Association: Assessing the opportunity of adopting integrated traceability systems for Australian mangoes in selected Southeast Asian markets.
- Export Council of Australia: Adopting digital traceability by Australian firms exporting almonds to Malaysia.
For more information: agriculture.gov.au