MUD crabs from the remote Gulf of Carpentaria are set to find their way faster onto Chinese dining tables, with the Queensland government agreeing to provide extra money for a local business.
Agriculture and fisheries minister Mark Furner said Australian Gulf Seafoods was one of nine diverse food companies to receive second round funding of up to $100,000 from the Growing Queensland’s Food Exports $1.3m pilot program.
“Australian Gulf Seafoods supplies some of the world’s most ecologically-friendly and sustainable seafood,” Mr Furner said.
“Word has clearly spread, because catch from the mangrove-lined waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria will soon be exported to China.
“We want to support the growth of AGS and this grant will do just that.”
Mr Furner said Growing Queensland’s Food Exports supported producers to break in to lucrative overseas markets and supply chains.
“This $1.3m pilot program aims to boost Queensland’s food exports, delivering jobs and economic growth in regional areas,” he said.
“The Asian market is a real game-changer for seafood producers because with increased demand of course comes increased supply.”
Mr Furner said they had assisted macadamia, mango, melon, strawberry, sweet corn and pork producers to build their business capability to take advantage of opportunities to grow exports. More than $550,000 had already been allocated under the program.
