This is the core message we heard loud and clear from the National Food Security Preparedness Green Paper released in April this year. For those of us who live and breathe all things food – the realisation that successive Governments have left ‘eating’ out of our own defence strategy was, for me at least, more than a little disappointing.  

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? The Business of Horticulture course is back – giving Queensland growers practical skills, expert advice, and tailored support to grow smarter, not harder.

The recording of our recent webinar with QFVG Partner Who Cares, and workplace relations experts Focus HR is now available to watch on-demand.

In many horticulture businesses, leadership doesn’t come through a formal pathway - it’s earned in the paddock - the best picker becomes the supervisor, the most reliable operator steps up to manage a crew, or the longest-serving team member is handed more responsibility.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has confirmed a 3.5% increase to minimum award wages, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025. Importantly, the updated wage tables for the Horticulture Award 2020 and other relevant modern awards have now been released.

Queensland’s workplace safety rules have expanded beyond physical risks to include psychosocial hazards – issues like workplace stress, bullying and harassment, sexual harassment, poor communication, unrealistic expectations, lack of support and toxic organisational cultures.