Strawberry growers will get help from the Coalition Government, with $1 million pledged to increase safety and confidence in the industry.
“The advice from the regulator is very clear,” Minister Hunt said. “Australian strawberries are safe and healthy to eat, so long as we wash and chop them.”
“The Coalition Government has taken decisive action to ensure the safety of not just strawberry consumers, but the hard working producers who put such excellent quality produce on our dinner tables.
“I’m incredibly fortunate to have a great local producer of strawberries in Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and I urge all Australians to get out and pick up some strawberries straight from our famers.”
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud announced that $350,000 of this package would be made available to help restore confidence in Australian produced strawberries.
“Aussies look after their mates,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Our strawberry growers have been kicked in the guts and they need a hand.
“My Department will supply $350,000 to regain and retain market share in key export markets, and maintain or restore confidence in the industry and supply chain.
“This flexible funding will help our strawberry growers assure our trading partners and the domestic market that our strawberries are safe.
“Exporters will be required to assure consignments are free from metal through screening and metal detection.
“Funding will go to projects which show our strawberries are safe make sure our exports aren’t hurt.”