Securing freight access for Australia agricultural and fisheries exporters

On 1 April the Australian Government announced measures to help secure freight access for Australian agriculture and fisheries exporters.  The $110 million International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) will assist Australia’s agricultural and fisheries sector by helping them export their high-quality produce into key overseas markets, with return flights bringing back vital medical supplies, medicines and equipment. Airlines operating cargo routes out of Australia include Etihad Cargo, Emirates Cargo and Qatar Cargo. Austrade continues to monitor the status of Mauritian air cargo operations to recommence import of Australian premium goods.

Australian exporters can register their interest or call the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment on (02) 6272 2444.

On 1 April, the Government also announced increased funding for the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG). Funding for the scheme will increase by $49.8 million in the 2019-20 financial year, allowing exporters and tourism businesses to get additional reimbursements for costs incurred in marketing their products and services around the world.

This supplements the additional $60 million already committed by the Government and brings EMDG funding to its highest level in more than 20 years at $207.7 million for the 2019-20 financial year.

For details about the full range of programs the Australian Government has launched in support for Australian businesses go to business.gov.au