A berry good grant delivered for Aussie superfood

• $239,000 Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant awarded to Berries Australia Limited. 
• Will support trade expansion of Australian blueberries and strawberries into key high-growth markets. 

A $239,000 Australian Government grant to Berries Australia Limited will help give the berry industry the tools needed to expand into export markets. 

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said many berry growers are eager to export after doing it tough during the pandemic. 

“This project will provide them with the insights and resources to actively and

strategically engage with importers and retailers,” Minister Littleproud said. 

“Berries represent a terrific opportunity for growth. In Australian supermarkets, berries are the single biggest fresh produce line with a combined value of more than $1 billion. 

“There is enormous potential to translate this Australian success into a global export powerhouse, especially since Australia holds a number of the most prized berry varieties.”

Berries Australia Executive Director Rachel Mackenzie said the project aims to build exporter confidence and grow exports in high-growth markets, such as Singapore, India, Thailand and UAE.

“The funding will provide the opportunity for exporters to re-ignite conversations and build relationships with importers and retailers in the target markets,” Ms Mackenzie said

“Even if growers are not exporters themselves, they will also benefit as this grant will help grow the pie and boost returns for all growers.

“The project will help the broader agriculture sector in achieving the $100 billion farmgate value by 2030 target.”

Fast Facts:

• The ATMAC grant has been awarded under the Australian Government’s Agri-business expansion initiative (ABEI).
• Prior to COVID19, the Australia berry industry was starting to build momentum in export of both blueberries and strawberries. Strawberries are our largest berry export with $35m export value in 2019.
• Berries Australia Limited is a joint venture between Australian Blueberry Grower’s Association (ABGA), Strawberries Australia Inc (SAI) and Raspberries and Blackberries Australia Incorporated (RABA).