You’ve heard about corn, potato and rice flour, but get ready for banana flour.
One Atherton Tableland’s producer will soon be conquering international markets with funding from the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Natural Evolution was one of nine diverse food companies to receive second round funding from the Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program.
“Natural Evolution produces such a diverse range from their farm in the Far North,” Mr Furner said.
“But it’s the banana flour that really stands out for me because it’s such an innovative solution to what would otherwise be tonnes of wasted produce.
“Now with the world’s first and only banana flour factory in the works, this is a great time and opportunity for Natural Evolution to explore international markets.
“This is exactly what the program sets out to achieve – we want to take producers ready to export and help them break in to lucrative overseas markets and supply chains.”
Mr Furner said Growing Queensland’s Food Exports supports producers to better understanding the market in order to improve export competitiveness
“The coeliac-friendly market is increasingly competitive, but when coupled with the reputation of Queensland bananas, I’m confident the banana flour product will succeed wherever it’s sold,” Mr Furner said.
“Funding will give Natural Evolution the opportunity to grow, to hire more locals and be positioned for future international success.”
The Palaszczuk Government is providing matching grants of up to $100,000 for producers and food businesses right across the state.
“Our $1.3 million investment will boost Queensland’s food exports, delivering jobs and economic growth in regional areas,” Mr Furner said.
“So far, we’ve assisted macadamia, mango, melon, strawberry, sweet corn and pork producers to build their business capability to take advantage of opportunities to grow exports.”
The Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program focuses primarily on horticulture as Queensland is Australia’s largest producer of vegetables and the second largest producer of fruit and nuts.
More than $550,000 had already been allocated under the program.
