Two weeks ago the Federal Government announced the AUD$110 million International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM), which will allow Australia’s vegetable grower exporters to meet the demand from key international markets for high-quality fresh vegetables.

The IFAM, which will be overseen by an International Freight Coordinator-General, will help secure freight services into Australia’s key export markets across Asia and the Middle East, and bring back vital medical supplies.

AUSVEG has provided detailed data to the IFAM coordination team on the footprint of fresh vegetable airfreight exports – by city of origin, export market destination, crop/product and volume by month etc.

No clear definition of ‘high-value’ product has been provided to date, however it was stated at the last briefing that perishability and product shelf-life will be taken into account when prioritising freight services.

In addition, the Federal Government has released a Request For Proposal (RFP) to selected airlines and Freight Forwarders by invitation and the RFP will close and a decision made this week. This process will appoint airlines and a panel of Freight Forwarders to coordinate perishable cargo under IFAM.

If you would like to discuss IFAM further, please contact AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development Michael Coote on 0416 016 202 or at michael.coote@ausveg.com.au.

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