Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation

Government grants for agricultural, forestry and fishery industries to support market expansion and diversification efforts to enable diversification and improve export opportunities by agricultural industries.

Current status of program

CLOSED

To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.

On this page you will find

• An overview of the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program
• Every detail you will need to know
• Resources and help to get the grant

What is the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) Program?

The Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program supports Australian agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors to expand trade into emerging export markets and/or export markets with high-growth potential.

The program supports diversification efforts that align with industry priorities, have broad industry support and provide direct benefits for the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sector.

Projects funded under ATMAC have benefitted a broad range of agricultural sectors by creating market access opportunities and strengthening relationships with key trading partners.

ATMAC level of support

Grant

• There is no minimum or maximum grant amount

Co-contribution

• Financial (cash) and/or in-kind
• Proportionate to the size of the requested grant and sufficient to demonstrate industry support
• Provided during the grant period or post-grant

ATMAC important dates

• This program is currently closed
• Register your interest here with GrantHelper

ATMAC objectives and outcomes

The objective of the program is to open, improve and/or maintain access to overseas markets for Australian agricultural products by building stronger relationships with trading partners, neighbouring countries and international organisations.

The intended outcome is to expand trade for the Australian agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors into emerging export markets and/or export markets with a high-growth potential. This will be achieved through support for diversification efforts that align with industry priorities.

Organisations eligible for ATMAC support

To be eligible to receive a grant the applicant must:

• be a legal entity, able to enter into a legally binding agreement
• represent a range of relevant industry beneficiaries
• have an ABN and an Australian bank account
• be registered for the purposes of GST
• provide a significant co-contribution, financial and/or in-kind, proportionate to the size of the grant

Proposals can be either jointly developed and prioritised by industry members and/or be developed by industry associations on behalf of the broader industry, with evidence of support.

Persons, unincorporated associations and non-corporate Commonwealth entities are not eligible for grants.

See the guidelines for full details of eligibility requirements.

Projects eligible for ATMAC support

Projects should be developed and prioritised by industry and have industry support, and preference will be given to initiatives that are part of an industry strategy.

Individual companies and associations are therefore encouraged to contact their peak industry body in the first instance to discuss potential proposals.

Proposals should focus on immediate action that advances market expansion and diversification efforts, identifying market opportunities that are feasible, taking into consideration existing technical market access and non-tariff barriers to trade.

Proposals can include activities that are tailored towards specific sectors, considering their different circumstances, needs and requirements.

See the guidelines and FAQs for complete project eligibility criteria.

Activities eligible for ATMAC support

Eligible activities may include:

• research and development
• training and education
• information exchange
• feasibility studies
• competitor analyses or sector or market analyses
• export strategy development
• targeted relationship development
• influencing the evolution or adoption of international standards and protocols
• capital works that support improved market diversification

Grants cannot be used for:

• activities that support or promote the benefit of a single commercial or governmental enterprise
• activities that may distort trade or disadvantage Australian agricultural, forestry or fishery industries
• costs associated with projects of a solely commercial nature
• costs not directly incurred in carrying out the project (including overhead costs)
• purchase of land
• wages
• legal expenses
• subsidy of general ongoing administration of an organisation such as electricity, phone and rent
• major construction/capital works
• activities for which other Commonwealth, state, territory or local government bodies have primary responsibility.

See the guidelines for complete activity eligibility criteria.

Applying for ATMAC

• Applications are to be submitted by email to atmac@awe.gov.au

Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to increase your chances of success.

Information to prepare for the ATMAC application

The department will issue eligible applicants the following templates for completion:

• Proposal template: details of your entity, how you have met the eligibility criteria, proposed project (including breakdown by activity, timeframe and measures of success)
• Risk Assessment template: identification of key risks and outline of how these are being managed
• Budget template: details of funding sources, proposed ATMAC grant expenditure by activity, and details of co-contribution (financial and/or in-kind)

See the FAQs for full details of information requirements.

ATMAC assessment criteria

Ref	Criteria
1	How the grant will contribute to the objective of the grant program
2	How the proposed grant addresses a specific need
3	Capability and capacity of the grantee to undertake the grant
4	Value with relevant money represented by the proposal
5	Proposal has been appropriately costed
6	Co-contribution adds to the impact and sustainability of the activity and is proportionate to the grant
7	Level of risk associated with the proposal and its implementation is manageable and/or acceptable
8	Beneficiaries are relevant and representative, and are engaged with the proposal

See the guidelines for full details of assessment criteria.

ATMAC resources

• Source
• Guidelines
• FAQs
• Apply

Scroll down for news items on a sample of previous recipients.

How do I get ATMAC?

You should read and understand the guidelines and FAQs.

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• the proposal aligns with the program’s objectives
• evidence of extensive industry consultation, including with the industry peak bodies, to identify and gain support for an opportunity or need to be addressed
• project personnel with the capacity and capability to deliver the project within the agreed timeline
• sound costings and a value for money proposition, including co-contribution
• a sound risk management strategy

Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight.

Most importantly, and before you start an application, you need to ensure your organisation is eligible for the funding. Organisations that do not meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below will not be considered.

Check out How to write a successful grant application to learn more about how to win government grants for your business. Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps organisations to truly understand how to win government grants.

I need help applying for grants

Is your business eligible for this government grant? Or perhaps you’re not sure and want to know more?

GrantHelper offers a range of government grant services, helping businesses of all sizes to discover, apply for, and win the best grant opportunities. We can help you with anything from finding the right grants, to writing your application, formulating an ongoing grant strategy, and more.

Get started now by filling in the form below, or tap the ‘Book a Discovery Call’ button to schedule a no-obligation virtual meeting with an experienced government grants consultant.

Prefer to talk? Call 0409 478 850 now for a no-obligation discussion. We’re here to help your business better understand grants, submit your best possible application, and get you in the winners’ circle.

Sample of previous recipients

• The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre
• Cotton Australia/Australian Cotton Shippers Association
• Australian Grape and Wine