Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
Queensland Government

Media Release

6 January 2012

Food grants for smart local business

TROPICAL north Queensland’s food-related businesses are at the forefront of the Queensland Government’s plan to double the value of the state’s food sector by 2020.

A recent study shows the total value of north Queensland’s primary industries is $3.4 billion.

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) is keen to help north Queensland businesses to boost that figure even further by tapping into a new grants program.

DEEDI’s far northern executive regional director Anne Clarke is inviting companies along the supply chain – from producers to processors to retailers – to apply for a Food Innovation and Productivity Incentive (FIPI) grant.

Ms Clarke said under FIPI, dollar-for-dollar grants of $25,000 to $100,000 were available to Queensland food businesses, organisations, cooperatives and associations with innovative projects.

“These projects may include new production technologies or new processing and distribution practices or it could be a redesign of existing production or processing lines to improve efficiencies and productivity,” she said.

“If a project is found to have exceptional merit, funding of more than $100,000 may be considered.

“While the scheme is open to all eligible Queensland food businesses, small to medium enterprises are particularly encouraged to apply.

”These grants will help bolster the profitability of food businesses and industries. We are already working from a strong economic base, and have a wealth of tropical expertise and a worldwide reputation for our produce.

“FIPI grants will help to further drive our local food industries by nurturing new ideas.”

The first FIPI funding round will open on February 6, 2012.

For more information on the FIPI grants contact senior regional development officer Belinda Down at DEEDI’s Cairns Service Centre on (07) 4048 1119.

You can visit www.business.qld.gov.au/food/food-innovation-productivity-incentives

Media: David Anthony 4057 3329

David Anthony BA
Communications Officer (Media), Cairns
Corporate Communications
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
Port Authority Building
Cnr Grafton and Hartley Streets, Cairns, Q, 4870.
PO Box 2358, Cairns, Q, 4870.
Telephone: (07) 4057 3329 Facsimile: (07) 4048 1122
Mobile: 0428 102 905
Email: david.anthony@deedi.qld.gov.au
Website: www.deedi.qld.gov.au Customer Service Centre: 13 25 23

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