APPLICATIONS opened this week for a $5.4million industry grants program aimed at funding projects that improve price and market transparency in supply chains for perishable agricultural goods (PAG).
In announcing the grants program, the Federal Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said the competitive grants will help address market imbalances and give Australian farmers a fair go.
“In 2020 the government directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to inquire into the domestic fresh food supply chain,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The ACCC found that farmers often have the least information in the fresh food supply chain and recommended governments and industries explore ways to increase price transparency and competition in PAG industries.
“When market power imbalances exist in the fresh food supply chain, farmers are more vulnerable to take-it-or-leave-it terms from buyers or exploitative conduct.”
Mr Littleproud said participating PAG industries may apply for funding for projects that improve market transparency and help Australian farmers make informed business decisions.
“Through a series of workshops, we spoke with industry to establish an understanding of the issues for businesses, and how to address those issues.
“We are backing fair, strong and resilient supply chains and putting in place the frameworks so everyone is treated fairly and pays their share.
“This is another way the government is helping the agricultural industry achieve its goal of $100 billion by 2030.”
Applications close on February 22.
