Queensland horticulture growers helping protect the Great Barrier Reef through practical on-farm action

Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) has welcomed UNESCO's decision not to list the Great Barrier Reef as "in danger", saying the announcement reflects the collective effort being made across Queensland to improve Reef health - including the practical work being undertaken by horticulture growers.

QFVG continues to support growers in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef catchments to benchmark and improve on-farm practices using Hort360 - Australia's leading best management practice platform for horticulture, developed and owned by QFVG.

To date, more than 58,500 hectares of horticultural production across 470 businesses in Reef catchments have been benchmarked using Hort360.

This represents around 73 per cent of the approximately 80,000 hectares of horticultural production within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, demonstrating the Queensland horticulture industry's strong commitment to continuous improvement and protecting the environment in which it operates.

QFVG Chief Executive Officer Scott Kompo-Harms said growers have been quietly delivering meaningful environmental outcomes through practical, science-based improvements on farm. 

"UNESCO's announcement is welcome recognition that Queensland is making progress, and horticulture growers have been an important part of that journey," Mr Kompo-Harms said.

"Queensland growers care deeply about the landscapes they farm. Every day they're making practical decisions that improve water quality, build healthier soils and ensure nutrients stay where they're needed - on the farm, not in our waterways." 

"Hort360 gives growers a practical way to assess their farm practices, identify opportunities for improvement and track progress over time."

Mr Kompo-Harms said the environmental outcomes being achieved are also strengthening the long-term sustainability of Queensland horticulture businesses.

"Good environmental management and good farm management go hand in hand," he said. 

"Growers are improving soil health, using fertiliser more efficiently, managing water more effectively and strengthening the productivity of their businesses."

"Their success demonstrates what can be achieved when growers are given practical tools, trusted information and the opportunity to invest in improvements that benefit both their farms and the environment."