Australian rock lobster exporters are invited to a webinar on market diversification, focusing on the Japan and Hong Kong markets.

The event is hosted by Austrade, the Agribusiness Expansion Initiative and Seafood Industry Australia, with the support of the Seafood Trade Advisory Group.

Taking place on Wednesday 7 July 2021 from 11 am until 12 noon, the presentation will include an overview of current market opportunities and challenges, market regulatory update, and COVID-19.  Registration is required.  Source:  Austrade / STAG  |  Photo:  DPIRD

A $3.8 million competitive grant program is open for applications from Western Australian agribusinesses, enterprises and entrepreneurs seeking to accelerate business and product development and deliver projects that support the scaleup of the state’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.

The Enterprise Support Program, a partnership between the Shire of Murray, DevelopmentWA and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, offers up to $200,000 in dollar-for-dollar co-funding.

As an initiative of the WA Food Innovation Precinct, funding will enable industry to pursue commercial research and development projects through the Precinct including commercialisation of new ag-technology, business development opportunities, product development and value-adding, adopting innovation, enabling market access and increasing local capabilities and efficiencies.  More...  Source and Image:  Shire of Murray [WA Food Innovation Precinct concept image]

This week the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) farewelled Niegel Grazia, Deputy Director General of Industry and Economic Development, which oversees agribusiness development and trade in Western Australia.

DPIRD Director General Ralph Addis thanked Mr Grazia for his huge contribution over the last four years, where he helped lead the department through a period of major change, as well as through the significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Niegel not only played a crucial role in shaping the industry and economic development functions of the department, he also ensured his division provided invaluable support to WA producers and exporters hit by COVID-19 economic disruptions," Mr Addis said.

The new Acting Deputy Director General Liam O'Connell also acknowledged Mr Grazia’s contribution.

"Niegel threw his support behind a range of major initiatives which are vital for the development and growth of WA's agrifood sector.

"When COVID-19 hit last year, he also ensured all the necessary staff and financial supports were quickly made available to establish an agrifood air freight to Singapore initiative in April last year, which preceded the Federal Government's International Freight Assistance Mechanism,” Mr O’Connell said.  Source and Photo:  DPIRD [Niegel Grazia (far right) meeting a grains delegation from India.]

Australian winemakers are reaching new customers by embracing innovative approaches to marketing and distribution, including virtual wine tastings, partnering with celebrity spokespeople, and working with sommelier groups in overseas markets.

There are more than 2,300 wine producers in Australia and the sector supports more than 163,000 jobs across grape growing, wine manufacturing and wine tourism.  Australian wine exports were worth $2.9 billion in 2020.

Australian Minister for Trade Dan Tehan said wine sales to non-traditional markets had increased in the March quarter, with sales to the Netherlands up 63 per cent to $20 million, and sales to South Korea up 133.6 per cent to $13.6 million.  More...  Source:  Australian Minister for Trade / Wine Australia |   Related:  Australian wineries cracking new markets, including UK  Source:  ABC News  |  Photo:  Aaron Mello / Unsplash 

Registrations to attend the World Fisheries Congress 2021 (WFC2021), taking place from 20 to 24 September, are now open.  One of the largest gatherings of fisheries research, industry and management sectors in the world, WFC2021 will be held in Adelaide, South Australia.

Designed to ensure access to everyone in the global fishing community, the event can be attended either in-person or online.  The dynamic and comprehensive five day program will be delivered under the overarching theme of ‘Sharing our oceans and rivers – a vision for the world’s fisheries’ while bringing together the latest technological advances in marine and freshwater fisheries.

With more than 1,400 abstracts received, WFC2021 promises to be both an exciting and inspiring event offering a diverse and thought-provoking program of topics.  To register go to www.wfc2021.com.au/register.  Source and Graphic:  WFC2021

Western Australian primary producers are being encouraged to apply for the 2022 Nuffield Scholarships.  The Nuffield program opens doors to exciting and rewarding experiences.  Whether it’s walking the halls of Westminster or Washington DC, or touring a leading wheat and maize research facility in Mexico, a scholarship presents a career defining opportunity.

Valued at AUD$30,000, historically the scholarship tenure is a total of 16 weeks.  As a result of COVID-19, this has been reduced to 14 weeks.

To be eligible, candidates must be: between 28 to 45 years of age (exceptional candidates outside this age range will be considered); ordinarily a resident of Australia; engaged in farming, horticulture, fishing or associated industries; and intending to remain involved in food and fibre industries in Australia. 

Applications are due by 6 August 2021.  For more information go to the frequently asked questions.  Source and Photo/Graphic:  Nuffield Australia

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is inviting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to share their business experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing how trade has helped them through the major economic disruption.

Selected stories will be featured during the WTO Public Forum in Geneva, entitled “Trade beyond COVID-19: Building Resilience”, scheduled to take place from 28 to 30 September 2021. 

Stories should be submitted no later than 19 July 2021.  More...  Source:  WTO  |  Chuttersnap / Unsplash