Australia: Creation of a joint cluster programme between Agribusiness cluster and the government
The Australia FIAL (Food Innovation Australia Ltd Industry Growth Centre) has co-created, with the with the Ministry for Jobs and Innovation, a joint programme to support the development of clusters in the agribusiness industry. FIAL, a TCI-Network member, encourages businesses, researchers and educational institutions to collaborate to build on their competitive advantage.
To support this collaboration, some funding have been released to support four clusters:
- “Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) – a cluster of 210 farmers, suppliers, food processors, retailers, foodservice and affiliated services in Queensland which supports small and medium food producers in scaling up their operations to expand into national and international markets.
- Central Coast Industry Connect Cluster –which brings industry, research organisations and governments together to grow the New South Wales Central Coast region’s current food and beverage sector and create more local employment.
- East Gippsland Food Cluster – a collaboration designed to boost the productivity and sustainable growth of Victoria’s regional agrifood businesses.
- FermenTasmania – a cluster of industry, university and government engaged in boosting experience and expertise, research and development, skills and training for businesses involved in fermented food, drinks and other products.”
This initiative aligns with Australia’s latest innovation policy which aims at developing innovation in the country to reinforce the country’s industry competitiveness.
“Business clusters and hubs are important because they lead to small and medium business growth, greater innovation, increased exports, more jobs and economic development.” Assistant Minister Seselja said in a joint media release.