Last week all QFVG staff were asked to complete a mental first aid course by Christmas as it was recognised that horticulture is really struggling, and we needed to be prepared to support in any way we can.

International Day of Rural Women was celebrated last week during a week of turmoil in Australia’s history. Women too have had to fight for rights as a minority and respect for their roles in relationships, families, businesses, and society.

2023 holds special significance for QFVG, aka Growcom, aka COD, as it commemorates our 100th year in operation.

Streamlining on-farm compliance, an innovative AgTech solution for Australia’s pineapple industry, and drone technology solutions in organic bananas are just some of the amazing projects

Setting goals and charting the course of an entire sector for the next decade sounds like a daunting task, but Queensland horticulture hasn’t hesitated in beginning to execute its Future Fields strategy.

When anyone asks me what I believe is the main issue in horticulture, the answer I have been giving all year is: “Within the last three years, input costs have risen between 30 and 65 percent and productivity has decreased by a third. What business can survive those numbers?”

Last week I appeared as a witness to the Inquiry into the impact of climate change on Queensland agricultural production where I had three minutes to sum up its relationship with horticulture. Here’s what I said.

The Board of Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG) hereby notify Members that the Board resolved to change auditors from BDO Audit Pty Ltd of Level 10, 12 Creek Street Brisbane QLD 4000 to HLB Mann Judd (SE QLD Partnership) of Level 15, 66 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000.

This is the way it goes does it not? Someone asks how you are – and you answer, “I’m good.” I mean your life might be falling apart at the seams, but the answer you give will still be a ‘I’m good’ wont it?

Ahead of storm season, growers in Mareeba and surrounds are invited to Forewarned is Forearmed, a workshop at the Mareeba International Club on Tuesday 3 October exploring the use of climate forecasting tools to support on-farm decision-making.

Queenslander was the war cry booming from the recent Granite Belt Growers Gala Dinner, with former State of Origin stalwart and fellow Stanthorpian (his words) Billy Moore at the helm of the microphone leading the charge on the night.

‘Acts of God’ as they are commonly known, including hailstorms, flooding, cyclones, earthquakes, and lightning are considered by every grower in their seasonal planning. ‘Acts of men’ however should be equally considered as we enter a new season.

What a wonderful, eye opening, colourful, crazy, and grounding nine days at the Ekka. Touted as the event where city meets country, it was also the event where growers met consumers, politicians met anyone and everyone they could, and we met tens of thousands of advocates of fresh produce.

Two years ago, the Queensland fresh produce sector and supply chain came together with an active and collaborative mindset. The result was Future Fields, the strategic vision for where the industry wanted to be in 10 years.

As part of the next stage of the Future Fields strategy, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) has released a seed funding opportunity for any projects across Queensland which align to any one of the four key fields or the fundamental fields.

After spending the past couple of weeks in North and Far North Queensland listening to growers, we heard the issues loud and clear. Fair margins were rightfully at the top of the list, as were workforce issues including the new deed and guidelines with the PALM scheme, however the main theme we heard was around compliance burden and auditors.

I know we are all busy and there’s always a million things to prioritise but if you’re a Sunwater allocation holder, or would like to be one in the future, I would urge you to prioritise understanding the current consultation occurring across Queensland before it’s too late to have your say.

Last week I was asked to be on a panel to discuss what the G in ESG means to the horticultural sector.

Yeppoon in Central Queensland will host Australia’s pineapple industry this week for their annual Pineapple Field Days.

The Regional Migration Forum held last week in beautiful Bowen was another amazing example of North Queensland kicking goals and not just the ‘Cowboys’ kind.