Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the changes support a smooth transition to new certification and inspection arrangements, contributing to an increase in export productivity and international market share.

These new arrangements will provide more robust and efficient export certification systems, reducing the cost of doing business while improving confidence in Australian food exports,” Minister Ludwig said.

The value of Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports is anticipated to be worth around A$38.9 billion in 2012-13 and the export income from the Australian grain, fish and egg industries will be a key contributor.

“The Government is determined to improve service delivery and reduce costs, to improve profitability, of our export industries at every opportunity.

“The transitional assistance is a demonstration of the Gillard Government’s commitment to small to medium sized businesses and to jobs in regional Australia.”

These improvements include a new service delivery model that allows Authorised Officers to undertake inspection of export commodities for grain exporters, which will lead to a more effective export process and reduce certification costs.

Revised agreements with state regulators and the use of approved auditors will provide benefits to fish and egg exporters in the future.

“Improvements to service delivery have only been possible thanks to the cooperative working relationships that the Government has with export user groups,” Minister Ludwig said.

Further information about export certification can be found on the Export Certification Implementation Plan page on the DAFF website.