Gippsland food and beverage manufacturers can capitalise on Australian made products with funding now available for the sector under the Federal Government’s $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI).
Food and Beverage is the fourth of six National Manufacturing Priorities to be supported under the MMI to help manufacturers scale-up production, commercialise their products and operations, and integrate into domestic and global supply chains.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said this funding would unlock investment to further grow the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
“Australian made food and beverages are already in demand internationally, now is the time to invest in opportunities to further build on our international reputation for producing premium, safe and high quality products,” Mr Chester said.
“Investing in our food and beverage manufacturers will ensure they maximise their ability to tap into global markets and create local jobs here in Gippsland.”
Mr Chester said Gippsland is renowned for its food and beverage manufacturing, with many of the factories located in the region.
“The support for food and beverage manufacturers will have significant flow-on effects for Australian farmers and agriculture producers,” Mr Chester said.
“Australia and indeed Gippsland already produces world-class products from fruit and vegetables to dairy products and meat.
“This funding will open further opportunities for the development of new products and the expansion of existing product lines beyond the farm gate.
“It will support our farmers, the transport industry and the communities they support.”
To guide Government investment, an industry-led road map has also been released, setting out a ten-year vision for the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Opportunities identified include smart processing and packaging methods, products for health and wellbeing and enhanced nutritional value, high value-add products such as those containing new and enhanced proteins, products with strong food safety, origin and traceability systems and the adoption of solutions to increase differentiation of food and beverage products in domestic and overseas markets. For more information on the road maps and available grant funding visit industry.gov.au/manufacturing