The Australian Government announced applications are now open for the latest round of the National Agriculture Traceability Sustainability Reporting Uplift program’s $4 million funding.
According to the Federal Government, the new funding will assist Australian farmers in demonstrating their sustainable agricultural methods, paving the path for developing a verifiable product claim that ensures essential export markets.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt made the announcement while in Berlin for talks with EU representatives about promoting Australia’s sustainable farming methods.
Minister Watt said the new funding would assist stakeholders in validating their sustainability credentials through regular data collection, measurement, and reporting.
“Australia has a great story to tell but there are gaps in the data, frameworks and credentials we have available to tell this story,” Minister Watt stated.
Minister Watt highlighted the need for more consistency in reporting on sustainability across commodities and the entire supply chain.
“Demonstrating the sector’s sustainability credentials is becoming increasingly important for Australia’s agricultural production and export, including market access,” the Minister added.
According to the Minister, provable assertions will reassure critical export clients of Australia’s sustainable credentials.
“Improved data capability can reduce compliance and regulatory costs, aid in meeting emerging international requirements and better meet Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements,” he said.
He stated that achieving value-added benefits from agricultural traceability at the farm gate is also ensured by better data and governance.
“That means farmers can prove and leverage their natural capital for economic benefit,” Minister Watt added.
Research organisations, consortia applicants, and leading industry associations can all apply for grant funding.
Grants between $50,000 and $500,000 are available to organisations for projects lasting up to 24 months, which ends in June 2025. The application period closes on 23 February 2023.
