AgForce has welcomed the Premier’s announcement of measures to support primary producers to drive Queensland’s post-COVID economic recovery.

A number of measures included in the $12.5 million package, notably support to boost trade opportunities and for digital technology that will revolutionise agribusiness and the food industry, were borne out of a briefing AgForce provided the Premier earlier in the year.

CEO Michael Guerin said he was pleased that the Premier had been able to action AgForce’s recommendations to promote Queensland produce, improve domestic and export market opportunities, and enhance the focus on food safety and biosecurity.

“The Premier’s announcement reflects views expressed by both State and Federal Governments that agriculture and regional communities will be pivotal to the nation’s economic recovery post-COVID,” Mr Guerin said.

“The $5.5 million for digital technology will increase efficiency and quality assurance in the industry while the $5 million will support producers access e-commerce platforms to sell goods overseas.

“We also welcome the extension of small business grants to support local businesses in our rural and regional towns.”

In her media statement, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the package today as part of the second stage of her government’s Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan.

“At the last meeting of the Queensland Industry Recovery Alliance, Agforce told us that regional Queensland can do the heavy lifting in the recovery and I absolutely agree,” the Premier said.

“This $12.5 million funding package for the sector will provide an initial economic boost to the agribusiness and food sector, transition and transform it post COVID-19, and accelerate the State’s economic recovery.”

Mr Guerin also welcomed the Premier’s commitment to providing further support measures.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government on further measures as we look to strengthen agriculture as a powerhouse of the recovery effort,” he said.

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Media contact: David Vogler 0418 733 102