South Australia is the only mainland State of Australia that prohibits the cultivation of GM food crops. South Australia’s non-GM status can provide our agricultural, food and wine producers a point of difference in the global marketplace.  Recently, the University of Adelaide was commissioned to undertake a research project to investigate and determine the market opportunities for South Australian non-GM food products.  Trends in this report indicate growing global demand for non-genetically modified foods, which provides significant opportunities for South Australia and associated food and beverage businesses.

The South Australian Government has recently launched grant program that looks to support South Australian food and beverage businesses and industry groups to assist them attain independent third-party certifications in the Non-Genetically Modified (Non-GM) and organic areas.

 

The program offers support in assisting food and beverage businesses and industry associations to help attain industry standard third-party certifications that will support achievement of either or both of the following aims:

  • accessing new or higher value markets for product;
  • contributing to premium positioning and achieving superior prices for product.

Applications for funding should demonstrate how the project contributes to at least one of the following themes:

Theme 1 – Market Access

  • Aim: Improve the distribution of South Australian food and beverages by growing the customers/markets for South Australian products.
  • Outcome sought: Increased sales to new markets (local, national or international).
  • Example projects: Achieving non-gm or organic standard third-party certification to meet the requirements of an identified new or potential customer(s).  Round 3 specific accreditations to be either non-gm or organic related.

Theme 2 – Premium Products

  • Aim: Improve premium positioning in the marketplace.
  • Outcome sought: Superior prices in new or existing markets.
  • Example projects: Achieving non-gm or organic standard third-party certification on products to distinguish optimum qualities from other similar competitors.

Applications that meet both themes will be highly regarded and grant funding may be provided to successful recipients ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $15,000 with leveraged funding of a contribution ratio of at least $1 for each $1 grant and funding will be awarded on a competitive basis.

For more information about the grant program please visit:

http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/premium_food_and_wine/food_and_wine_credentials_grant_program