January 29th, 2022Improving market transparency
The federal government has committed $5.4 million for projects to improve price and market transparency in Perishable Agricultural Goods (PAG) supply chains. Applications for a $5 million industry grants program opened on 25 January 2022.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the competitive grants will help address market imbalances and give Australian farmers a fair go.
“In 2020 the government directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to inquire into the domestic fresh food supply chain,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The ACCC found that farmers often have the least information in the fresh food supply chain and recommended governments and industries explore ways to increase price transparency and competition in PAG industries.
“When market power imbalances exist in the fresh food supply chain, farmers are more vulnerable to take-it-or-leave-it terms from buyers or exploitative conduct.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said that these grants were an opportunity for industries to apply and improve price and market transparency in their supply chains.
“Participating perishable agricultural goods industries may apply for funding for projects that improve market transparency and help Aussie farmers make informed business decision,” Senator Henderson said.
“The agriculture industry as a whole will benefit as we continue to even the playing field for our farmers.”
“We are backing fair, strong and resilient supply chains and putting in place the frameworks so everyone is treated fairly and pays their share.
“This is another way the government is helping the agricultural industry achieve its goal of $100 billion by 2030.”
Further information: Improving Market Transparency in Perishable Agricultural Goods Industries – DAWE (link is https://www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/food/perishable-ag-goods-industries)
To apply, visit: Home | Community Grants Hub (link is https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/
Fast Facts:
- The Australian Government is investing $5.4 million for projects to improve market transparency across perishable agricultural goods supply chains.
- The ACCC inquiry into PAG recommended that governments and industries explore measures to increase price transparency in perishable agricultural goods industries, to increase competition in those industries.
- Workshops were held in late 2021 with the chicken meat, dairy, horticulture, pork, red meat, seafood, and wine grapes sectors, providing opportunities to identify price and market transparency issues and explore tools and processes to address them.
