THE Australian government is providing a $888,0000 grant to Seafood Industry Australia and a $692,456 grant to Cotton Australia and the Australian Cotton Shippers Association.

Agriculture minister David Littleproud said the grant to the seafood industry would assist in developing and delivering its Export Market Strategic Plan.

“This plan will focus on expanding into new markets, and markets with high growth potential,” Mr Littleproud said.

“A key part of the plan is investigating and analysing new potential markets, such as North Asia, South Asia, the Pacific, Europe and the Americas with rock lobster and abalone a key focus.”

The value of Australian seafood production is forecast to be $2.94bn in 2020-2021 and $3.01bn in 2021-2022. The value of exports is forecast to be $1.34bn in 2020-2021.

“SIA will engage two trade export managers to build capacity for seafood exporters across Australia,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The grant will also go towards promoting the Great Australian Seafood brand under brand Australia. By working in partnership with Austrade, SIA will assist in the design a promotion schedule for Australian seafood in export markets.”

The minister said the grant to the cotton industry would play an important role in co-ordinating a plan for the future.

“This grant will establish a long-term strategy for market diversification for the entire cotton industry,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This will explore as many options as possible to make Australian cotton a fibre of choice for textile manufacturers.”

Cotton production in Australia is projected to boom, with cotton plantings increased from 69,400 hectares in 2019-20 to a forecast 297,000 hectares in 2020-21. Nearly 100% of Australian cotton is exported.

“It will look at markets with huge growth potential, like Bangladesh, Pakistan and Vietnam; it will also look at consumer education through digital platforms,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The more consumers, brands and retailers understand about the sustainability and quality of Australian cotton, the more they can make informed decisions when buying.”

Calling all exporters – award program now open for applications

Applications are now open for the 2021 Governor of Victoria Export Awards, which acknowledge and reward the state’s most innovative exporters.

The awards, now in their 42nd year, span 13 categories including Victorian Exporter of the Year and the Victorian Women in International Business Award.

Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, is patron of the awards and has long championed Victoria’s world-leading exporters.

Businesses recognised through the Victorian awards will progress through to the national finals and compete against other state and territory winners from across the country, with companies receiving national recognition for their international success.

Last year’s Governor of Victoria Export Awards winners included Care Essentials, E2 Language, Ego Pharmaceuticals, Gekko Systems, Greyscan Australia, Hosico Engineering Group, Marand Precision Engineering, Planet Innovation and Senetas.

Applications for the 2021 Governor of Victoria Export Awards close on 6 August 2021.