Farm Tender

$50k grants to grow Ag trade with China

Australian agricultural businesses can apply for funding for projects which grow agricultural trade cooperation between Australia and China.

The $50,000 is provided under the Australia – China Agricultural Cooperation Agreement (ACACA) program.

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud, said this year's program will focus on advanced agriculture technologies, water in agriculture, eCommerce innovation, science and technology, food safety, animal husbandry, farming sustainably and exploring niche markets.

"These grants fund projects including technical exchanges, staff secondments, working groups, training programs, research and development, feasibility studies and information exchanges," Minister Littleproud said.

"It gives businesses the chance to network in China and create new customers over there.

"Previously, these grants helped grow the market for Australian raisins and sultanas by funding Dried Fruit Australia's trade mission to China, it helped to establish the Australia-China Sustainable Agricultural Technology Forum in Tasmania and gave funding to the ABC's Landline program to promote opportunities and benefits under ChAFTA."

China is Australia's largest export market for agricultural, fisheries and forestry products, worth almost $11.5 billion in 2016–17.

The ACACA has been a key part of Australia's bilateral trade relationship for more than three decades.

​Applications open 13 February 2018 and close on 13 March 2018. To apply for funding and for more information on the ACACA program, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/market-access-trade/acaca.