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Aussie seafood exports are poised to benefit following a $1.275 million Australian Government grant to Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) to continue developing and expanding our global markets.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud and Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the funding would build on the successes already achieved by SIA, supported by the Australian Government, in expanding export market opportunities in Asia, the Americas and Europe.

“Australian seafood is recognised among the best in the world-expanding our markets will see demand for our premium product grow across the globe,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This grant will help implement the Australian Seafood Industry Export Market Strategic Plan, focusing on high priority sectors such as rock lobster and abalone, and provide greater access to markets for smaller producers.

“The goal is to expand into new and emerging markets, double down on markets with high growth potential and consolidate our exports to existing markets.

“The project will continue to promote the ‘Great Australian Seafood’ brand, which was funded by the Australian Government under the $1 Billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund.”

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the project would further unite industry and drive increased demand for Australian seafood in international markets.

“The ‘Great Australian Seafood’ brand will be developed and introduced internationally, including in established and emerging markets-such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, the US and the UK,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“Aussie seafood is sustainably caught, clean and safe, and we want to showcase that to the world.

“We are ready to take advantage of the huge demand in world markets for our premium product.”

Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta said the Australian seafood industry would have access to diverse, robust and economically sustainable export markets.

“With the knowledge gained through phase one, we are now better equipped with the information required to commit to a targeted export diversification program to address industry-identified needs,” Ms Papacosta said.

“This funding will underpin increased industry collaboration and practical approaches for building out diverse export markets for the Australian seafood industry well into the future. We thank the Coalition for their continued support for our great Australian seafood.”

Fast facts:

• $15.3 million in grant funding has been committed through ATMAC, a component of the Australian Government’s Agri-Business Expansion Initiative (ABEI).
• The Australian government has invested $85.9 million through ABEI to help Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries diversify and expand their export markets.
• An initial ATMAC grant of $888,000 was awarded to SIA in June 2021 which included the development of the Seafood Industry Export Strategic Plan.