Australian Kensington Pride mango

Small agribusinesses will received a A$5.3m boost under the Australian government’s Package Assisting Small Exporters programme.

The funds will be granted to 31 projects to improve export access.

“Access to premium overseas markets is an important element of driving profits back through the farmgate for our nation’s farmers - assisting Australia’s smaller exporters in particular demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to looking after all of our producers,” minister for agriculture and water resources Barnaby Joyce said.

The projects with access to funds include biosecurity management for the cherry industry, new technology including online systems for table grape and citrus growers to get export accreditation, and a study into innovative packaging for vegetables.

“This targeted support comes on the back of historic trade agreements the government has signed with China, Japan and Korea and recent access for mangos and lychees to the US,” Joyce said.

Recipients included the Australian Table Grape Association, Cherry Growers Australia, Citrus Australia, Summerfruit Australia, the Australian Mangoes Industry Association, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Fruit Growers Victoria, Avocados Australia, and Ausveg.