AUSVEG has welcomed a $50 million boost to the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme, after Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. Andrew Robb MP, today introduced legislation into Parliament to facilitate the increase and make the program more accessible to businesses.

The threshold of expenses required for a firm to become eligible for a grant will be reduced from $20,000 to $15,000 and the number of grants available will be increased from seven to eight.
“With export one of the vegetable industry’s biggest opportunities to be Australia’s most valuable horticultural sector, the Abbott Government’s boost will assist vegetable growers to begin tapping into new export markets,” said AUSVEG Public Affairs Manager, William Churchill.
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.
“The EMDG scheme will make it easier for horticultural producers to profit from exports, as it will refund up to 50 per cent of eligible export promotional expenses,” said Mr Churchill.
Minister Robb said that now was the right time to support smaller exporters, including those businesses in rural and regional Australia.
“Australia produces some of the world’s finest fresh produce, and with these changes, the rest of the globe – particularly our Asian neighbours – will be able to more easily source the safe, high quality vegetables we have to offer,” said Mr Churchill.
In 2012/13, the total value of Australian vegetable exports was $249 million.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: William Churchill, Public Affairs Manager, AUSVEG.
Phone: (03) 9882 0277 Mobile: 0411 166 748 E-mail: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au