The Federal Government has pledged $6.4 million towards a program to help 15 regional food businesses boost innovation to serve domestic and export markets. The Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity Program will help a variety of food businesses, from the dairy sector to aquaculture, meat producers to nut farmers. "People in our food industries work hard to establish a competitive edge and the Government wants to encourage their efforts," said Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. "Food production is a critical industry, not only for regional jobs, but also because Australia will have a role in helping to address the world food shortage. This funding will underpin productivity growth right along the food production chain and value-adding to Australian produce." Australia exports the majority of its food commodities and the industry is worth more than $23 billion a year.