Building the competitiveness of Australian apple growers

Fruit marketing company Towac Fruit Export Cooperative will receive funding from the Rudd Government to develop a strategic plan to help build the competitiveness and resilience of the Australian apple industry.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the apple industry plays an important role in supporting regional communities with apples being produced in all states.

“Towac Fruit Export Cooperative will receive up to $100,000 to develop a business plan to help local growers improve their profitability and maintain their domestic and global competitiveness,” Mr Burke said.

“Australia’s apple production in 2007-08 totalled 265,000 tonnes with a gross value of $488 million.

“Apple exports in 2008-09 totalled 4,300 tonnes and were valued at $8.6 million.”

The project is one of 14 to share in nearly $1.3 million from the Rudd Government to help promote Australia’s food and forest industries to domestic and export markets.

The grants are available to projects to boost industry marketing, research consumer habits and strengthen links with new and existing markets.

It is the second round of funding under the three-year Promoting Australian Produce initiative – a key election commitment for rural and regional industries.