Australia to fund cattle exports to Indonesia and Southeast Asia

The Australian government is giving grants to local beef producers to help them develop their cattle exports into Indonesia and other Southeast Asian markets.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke announced up to AUD107,500 (US$99,733) to increase live exports to new markets.

The livestock export industry plays a vital part in many rural communities and supports around 10,000 jobs in rural and regional Australia, according to Burke.

The beef industry contributes 17% to total Australian farm exports, ranking it the most valuable farm export in 2008-09, of which live cattle exports were valued at AUD652 million (US$605 million) in the same year.

The project is one of 14 to share in nearly AUD1.3 million (US$1.2 million) from the government to help Australia's food and forest industries promote themselves to domestic and export markets.

Grants of between AUD50,000-750,000 (US$46,381-965,710) 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.