Geraldton Fisherman’s Co-operative Limited awarded grant to boost rock lobster exports

Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative has been awarded a Federal Government grant close to $2 million to expand Australian lobster exports into new international markets. The Federal Government invested $85.9m through the Agri-Business Expansion Initiative helping Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries diversify their export markets. Federal Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the $1,926,000 funding would expand export opportunities in Asia, Europe and the Americas supporting the many family-owned fishing businesses that make up the co-op and the lobster industry. “Australian seafood is among the best in the world, and this grant will help to sell that message internationally and provide those markets with new and diverse products,” he said. Mr Littleproud said producers now have access to Mexico for lobster, providing the industry with a wider range of export opportunities. “GFC estimates that the ATMAC grant will increase their customer base by around 20 per cent over 18 months,” he said. The grant aims to boost export profitability, benefit employers throughout the supply chain and create an enduring industry. Minister for Science and Technology and Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said the grant further supported an important Mid West industry. “The local industry has taken a whack from events like supply chain restrictions and the impact of COVID‑19 in the past two years,” she said. Mrs Price said the industry was predominantly made up of local, family run businesses and providing support throughout challenging times was a “vote of confidence in a hardworking export earning industry”.