Announced by Labor in the lead up to the election, the Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity Program has been designed to encourage growth in regional food industries and expand the use of new technologies.

Minister for Agriculture said the program would look at food production right along the supply chain – not just in the paddock – to see where the greatest productivity gains could be made.

"With the growing food crisis and the shrinking world we must plan ahead to meet the challenges of the future and make our food industries more competitive," Mr Burke said.

The program will include dollar-for-dollar grants to regionally-based food processors and $10m for innovation in the seafood sector.

The budget also includes $5m to help promote Australian produce, with a call in coming months for projects that will enhance marketing and promotion, develop new marketing strategies and understand consumers and the domestic and international marketplace.