This summer, the Australian stone fruit industry is painting a positive portrait of its fortunes both at home and overseas. Drought conditions have led to more smaller size fruit than previous years but according to Summerfruit Australia chair and stone fruit grower, Andrew Findlay, the crop

 will be sweeter than ever. “All major growing regions are in the middle of a severe drought. Water is extremely hard to come by and is very expensive. While this does mean that there is more smaller fruit than usual early in the season, it's made for amazing eating as the sugars are more intense.” 

The industry predicted a crop of more than 100,000 tonnes, which will be similar to last year. Read more of this Fresh Plaza article

Applications for Churchill Fellowships are open through a partnership between the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and Hort Innovation, the aim is to help future leaders of the Australian horticulture industry gain new perspectives on issues facing the industry and learn new ways to tackle them.

Applicants design their own projects so they can access expertise that cannot be found in Australia.

The average amount of funding awarded to each successful application to cover travel costs and living expenses is estimated at $25,000. Applications close Thursday 30 April 2020.

Click here for more information or to apply...

The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund has been established by Woolworths to support investment in organic farming projects by eligible Australian farmers.

Through the Woolworths Organic Growth Fund,  $30 million is being offered over five years in interest-free loans and grants, on top of contracted purchase volumes. 

Visit the Woolworths website for further information and eligibility...

Coles launched the $50 million Nurture Fund in April 2015 to help small and medium sized businesses innovate and grow.

Round Eight of the Coles Nurture Fund is now open and will close on Friday, 20 March 2020 at 5pm AEST. Small and medium sized businesses can apply for a grant of up to $500,000 to help them develop new market-leading products, technologies and processes. Farmers and producers affected by bushfires or drought can also apply for a grant to help renew their business.

Visit the Coles Nurture Fund website for further information and to apply...

Fight Food Waste CRC Small to Medium Enterprise Solutions Fund.  
Grants of up to $50K matched funding to create a value-added offering from food waste. For more information click here.

Australia-China Agricultural Cooperation Agreement (ACACA) 2020 Grant
Round 1 up to $50,000 for a project undertaken in Australia or China to enhance cooperation between china and Australia & Round 2 is up to $15,000 for a Trade Mission to China. Visit the Australian Government Community Grants website for further information.
 
Traceability Grants Program – Round 1
Minimum $20,000 Grants to enhance traceability of agricultural products particularly for exports along the supply chain. Traceability covers food safety, plant and pest and disease status, provenance, authenticity and social matters such as sustainability and welfare practices. Visit the Australian Government Community Grants website for further information.
 
Package Assisting Small Exporters (PASE)
Funding available (not specified, as long as it’s not over total grant project funding of $5million over 3 years) for projects that assist small agricultural exports to overcome barriers in participation in the export sector and to identify opportunities. Visit the Australian Government Community Grants website for further information. 

Early Bird ends 19 March 2020

Visit the Hort Connections website for forther information + registration