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Regional Food Industries to get $6.4 million (FoodWeek Online Aug 09)

The Rudd Government has announced $6.4 million to help 15 regional businesses boost innovtion in Australia's food industry, for both domestic and export markets.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the funding was under the first round of the Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity Program.

The 15 businesses cover a range of food industries, including seafood, nuts, dairy, vegetables and meat, covering regional economies in Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Western Australia.

Projects include installing laser-guided cutting 'robots' to maximise yield and efficiency in a slaughter room and adopting innovative chestnut-peeling equipment, to bring offshore processing back to Australia.

"Food production is a critical industry, not only for regional jobs, but also because Australia will have a role in helping to address the world food shortage," said Burke.

"This funding will underpin productivity growth right along the food production chain and value-adding to Australian produce."

Around two-thirds of Australia's food commodities are exported, worth more than $23 billion annually.  To see the full list of successful projects, visit www.daff.gov.au/foodinnovation.