$6 million to showcase Australian agriculture
The Coalition Government is providing $6 million to back growth in the beef, horticulture, sheep and lamb and digital agritech industries through direct support to their large conferences and events.
Announcing the funding in Casino, Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud and Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the business partnerships formed through Casino Beef Week and other large agricultural events were a cornerstone of agricultural growth.
“Large events like Casino Beef Week, Lambex and Hort Connections bring the agricultural and supply chain sectors together to create partnerships, foster innovations and show off our world-class agricultural products,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Hort Connections is the largest horticultural conference and trade show in the southern hemisphere, typically bringing together over 3000 industry representatives including more than 1000 vegetable and fruit growers from around Australia.
“LambEx is a joint initiative of producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, researchers and service providers. It is a truly national event that’s been running since 2010 and this support will help to secure its ongoing future
“Growing digital agriculture by connecting the farmer with the best tools available is key to additional farm productivity. These events also connect our industry with investment capital
“That is why we’ll work with the Australian Agritech Association and AgriFutures to support events that showcase innovation and digital agriculture
“By backing industry events, we can strengthen Australia’s agricultural ecosystem, attract local and global investors and grow our food and fibre systems to $100 billion in 2030.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the funding would ensure the future of the Casino Beef Week for many years to come.
“We all know that Casino is the Beef Capital of Australia and this funding will mean Beef Week will continue in all its glory for many years to come and inject millions into our local economy,” Mr Hogan said.
“We rely on agriculture up here, particularly the beef industry, and Beef Week is a celebration of the industry.”
“Beef Week is one of the longest ongoing volunteer-run events in Australia. It brings the community together.”
Fast Facts:
- This funding forms a part of the $12 million for large agricultural events in the 2022‑23 Budget.
- Agriculture trade events provide opportunities to strengthen industry relationships including with international markets and agribusinesses
- The Australian Farm Institute estimates that digital technologies could help the agriculture industry increase the gross value of production by more than $20 billion.
