Qld Govt supporting agribusinesses hit by COVID-19

Queensland agribusiness exporters that have been directly affected by the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will have access to an industry grants package of up to $50,000. Applications for the Market Diversification and Resilience Grants Program are now open. The program forms part of the Queensland Government’s $27.25 million coronavirus industry recovery package.

“Queensland’s agribusiness exporters support thousands of jobs and we are doing everything we can to help them through this difficult time. Priority will be given to those businesses directly impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Grants will be available to support agriculture, food and fishing exporters, their critical supply chain partners and industry organisations to build resilience by diversifying into new markets,” said Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries.

The grants can be used to assist with the purchasing of new equipment, and for larger projects such as market evaluation studies, market visits and staff training. The grants are in addition to the support provided to the directly impacted fisheries businesses, especially the live coral trout and tropical rock lobster fisheries.

“These grants will help exporters in the live coral trout and tropical rock lobster industries who have lost their traditional markets in China and Hong Kong, to readjust and find alternative markets in Australia and overseas,” said Furner.

The first round of the program opened on 12 March 2020, with applications to close on Monday, 20 April 2020. Applicants seeking funding for new equipment up to the value of $10,000 will have their applications assessed as soon as they apply; applicants’ businesses must contribute 25% of total equipment costs.

“Applicants will be notified within days as to whether they have been successful. The project-based grants will provide funding of up to $50,000. Applicants must co-invest at least 50% of total project funds, and successful applicants will be notified by 1 May 2020,” said Furner.

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