$1.8 million boost for primary producers

The Australian Government is providing grants totalling around $1.8 million to strengthen the long-term futures of primary producers, from asparagus growers to abalone farmers.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, today announced 47 grants of up to $55,000 to Australia's farming, fishing and forestry industries.

The grants will be provided through the Government's new Advancing Agriculture Fund (AgFund) and will help farmers tackle industry issues at the local level.

"AgFund will take ideas and improvements from research laboratories and industry boardrooms out to our farmers, fishermen and foresters to help improve their sustainability and profitability," Mr McGauran said.