Food companies asked to apply for government money
Food manufacturers have the opportunity to receive government money if the money is able to be used for replacing “energy-inefficient” equipment with “clean technology”.
Major Australian food manufacturers, such as Bega Cheese and Fonterra, have already received funding from the Food and Foundries portion of the Clean Investment Program.
The scheme is part of the Federal government’s $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Program and is continuing to encourage eligible manufacturers to apply for funding. The Program aims to provide incentives for manufacturers to become more energy efficient, competitive and sustainable.
Thirteen initial grants, worth more than $8 million, have already been allocated since Industry and Innovation Minister, Greg Combet, launched the Program earlier in the year.
Manufacturers with turnovers of less than $100 million, requesting funding under $500,000, are required to match the government on a dollar for dollar basis. For other grants under $10 million, applicants will have to contribute $2 for every $1 from the Government. For grants of $10 million or more, applicants will be expected to make a co-contribution of at least $3 for each $1 of Government support.
Eligible projects can include switching to “less carbon intensive energy sources” or “installing new manufacturing equipment, processes and facilities” to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Fonterra and Bega Cheese used the grants to improve some out-dated refrigeration equipment.
Details can be found at the website of AusIndustry, which is administrating the Clean Technology Investment Program.
