Has your food business tapped into grants?

The importance of the food industry to Australia’s economic future is being recognised in the grant space, with a number of grant opportunities at both the federal and state level on offer.

Grants and programs supporting sustainability and renewable energy initiatives as well as export development continue to be available, for which businesses in the food and agriculture sectors are well placed to benefit.

In South Australia, the Advanced Food Manufacturing Grant Program is currently open, with EOIs closing later this month. Grants up to $100,000 are available for co-funded projects from South Australian food and beverage manufacturers (excluding wine) and public or private research technology providers that strengthen the food industry’s innovation capabilities and improve productivity, profitability and competitiveness.

With automation and data analytics key to the future success of the food industry, South Australia’s Manufacturing Technologies Program and Big Data Connect Program can provide the catalyst for businesses to leapfrog in this area with grants on offer to businesses looking to evaluate, assess, trial and adopt new technologies.

In Victoria, the state’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund has a number of programs where food and agrifood can benefit. Under the Innovation and Productivity stream, food and fibre is a designated emerging sector which draws preference for assistance with new technology and infrastructure projects that improve the efficiency and competitiveness of regional businesses.

New technologies and processes are also supported under Victoria’s Future Industries Manufacturing Program, with grants of up to $500,000 available.

On a national level, the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation’s research funding program, which can support research programs in a number of industries, including chicken meat and honeybee pollination, opens next month.

A myriad of grant opportunities are on offer or upcoming (open but not yet accepting applications) for businesses. If your food business is considering or exploring opportunities, new processes or technologies, or moving premises, would possible financial assistance be an enabler?

Originally published here.