NAAKPA to expand processing facility with Agricultural Value Add Grant
Northern Australia Aboriginal Kakadu Plum Alliance (NAAKPA), a leading company in the Northern Territory's agricultural sector, is set to expand its processing capability thanks to a recent Agribusiness Value Add Opportunities Grant.
The co-operative of Aboriginal-owned companies, known for supplying Kakadu Plum fruit and extracts to the Australian market, has been awarded $50,000 through the program to establish a processing facility in Darwin.
The new facility will focus on transforming raw bushfoods into shelf-stable products, enhancing the stability and reliability of the Kakadu Plum supply chain. With the support of the Territory Government, NAAKPA's new facility is set to expand the reach of this unique Australian superfood.
Paul Saeki from NAAKPA stated that the grant would assist in expanding processing capabilities, providing confidence and stability to the ethical supply of Kakadu Plum globally.
'Supplying Kakadu Plum fruit and extracts for the Australian market is something we are passionate about. Not only is the Australian market growing, but people around the globe are also starting to recognise the properties of this amazing fruit. To capitalise on this growing demand, we want to ensure our product has a good shelf life and can be exported worldwide,' he said.
'The Kakadu Plum has been harvested by Aboriginal communities for thousands of years for its powerful nutritional and medicinal benefits. We’re excited to share this uniquely Australian product.'
The Agribusiness Value-Add Opportunity Grant Program has awarded a total of $509,808 in grants to 14 local businesses, contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector. Agriculture in the Northern Territory is worth $1.3 billion to the local economy, supporting a wide array of industries including livestock, horticulture, broad-acre cropping, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture.
Find out more about how we’re supporting NT Agribusiness.
