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Grain Industry Sustainability Certification Scheme to help regional Victorian grain growers access new markets

A new Grain Industry Sustainability Certification Scheme will open new trade opportunities for grain producers in regional Victoria through a $97,500 grant from the Morrison Government from the $5 million Package Assisting Small Exporters (PASE) program.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the new Grain Industry Sustainability Certification Scheme was developed by the Australian Oilseeds Federation Inc.

“This Australian Grain Industry Sustainability Certification Scheme will boost market access opportunities for Aussie exporters selling grains including wheat, barley and pulses in markets where buyers seek sustainable certified produce,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The Australian Government is backing our farmers and exporters, and always looking to open more market opportunities for our premium produce to be enjoyed around the world.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said it was a great opportunity for local grains exports.

“We know regional Victoria produces world class grains, and the completion of this project gives our local grain farmers and exporters another boost when it comes to accessing new market opportunities.

“The project has also produced a grain industry communication and education program to support small to medium sized grain exporters to access markets where sustainability certificates are required.

Australian Oilseeds Federation President Rosemary Richards said the successful project helps smaller exporters.

“The PASE project enabled smaller exporters to more readily access the growing market for certified sustainable grain,” Ms Richards said.

“Without PASE, these exporters risked missing out on the opportunities available through the growing global demand for sustainable agricultural inputs.”

Further information on the PASE program is available at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/from-australia/package-assisting-small-exporters

Fast Facts:

  • The project has delivered a Grain Industry Sustainability Certification Scheme and a communication and education program to support small and medium grain exporters to access markets where sustainability certification is a requirement.
    The value of grain, oilseed and pulses exports for 2021-22 is forecast to be $12.50 billion.
  • The Package Assisting Small Exporters program was established in 2014-15 to improve market access for small exporters in the dairy, fish, eggs, grain, plant, horticulture, meat and animal industries. The original program supported 58 projects to a total value of $10.45 million.
  • The program was extended in 2019 and in the 2020-21 financial year $4.95 million in grants was awarded for 21 projects to assist small exporters to overcome barriers to market access.

ENDS

Media contact:

Senator Henderson: Anna Hindson 0490 441 554

17 August 2021

Applying for Export Market Development Grants (EDMG) from 1 July 2021

For export promotional activities from 1 July 2021, EMDG will no longer operate as a reimbursement scheme. Applications open 16 August and close 30 November 2021.

You can still claim reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred up to 30 June 2021 by applying under the final year of the reimbursement scheme. Applications for the reimbursement scheme close 30 November 2021, or 28 February 2022 if you are using a participating EMDG consultant.

The new forward-looking grant program will enable you to plan your marketing and promotional activities with confidence, because you will know how much you will receive over the life of your grant agreement.

Grants are designed to support you during different stages of your export journey:

Tier 1: Ready to export

  • First time exporters
  • Two year grant agreement with a maximum of $40,000 per financial year

Tier 2: Expanding

  • Expanding your export promotion activities
  • Three year grant agreement, with a maximum $80,000 per financial year

Tier 3: Expanding and strategic shift

  • Expanding your export promotion activities and making a strategic shift, for example targeting a new market or a new type of customer
  • Three year grant agreement with a maximum $150,000 per financial year

Eligibility

You’re eligible to apply for a grant if:

  • your turnover is less than $20 million for the financial year 2020–21
  • you’re an Australian person (your principal place of residence is in Australia)
  • you have an Australian Business Number, and
  • you haven’t previously accessed 8 years of EMDG grants

Your products are eligible if they’re substantially of Australian origin and are:

  • goods
  • services
  • events
  • intellectual property or know-how
  • software

A simple, streamlined process:

  • If you’re eligible, Austrade offers you a grant agreement
  • You enter into a grant agreement and carry out your plan to market
  • You send Austrade milestone reports, requesting milestone payments as outlined in your agreement
  • You will need to match the dollar value of the grant monies you receive

Applications are open from 16 August to 30 November 2021: austrade.gov.au/EMDG

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