Small exporters of agricultural commodities have a few days left to apply for a rebate of 50 per cent, up to $5000, on export registration charges.

The small exporter rebate is available to eligible exporters for the 2014–15 financial year, but the window for applications closes this Friday, October 31.

Federal agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce said the application process was straightforward and information about eligibility is available on the Department of Agriculture website to help exporters make a decision about whether to apply.

“This rebate is an important first step in the $15 million, four-year Package Assisting Small Exporters, which is designed to help small exporters of meat, dairy, grain, horticulture, eggs and seafood improve their competitiveness and profitability.

“We have to encourage innovation and entrepreneurial ventures alongside our established large-scale export endeavours to give our farmers – and the sector – the best chance to grow and be profitable.

“That is why this government promised assistance to small exporters before the election, and backed up this commitment by allocating the dollars at Budget time.

“The Package Assisting Small Exporters includes a fees and charges review as well as funds for projects to help small exporters secure and maintain overseas market access.

“Now I’m calling on exporters to take advantage of the rebate for this year to help grow their business,” Minister Joyce said.

For more information about the program or to find out more about the rebate and the application process visit www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/export/package-assisting-small-exporters.