Queensland's horticulture sector is adopting data-driven strategies to improve resilience, productivity, and long-term business planning, according to a new report released by Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers. The report, Understanding & Enhancing Practice Improvement in Horticulture, outlines developments achieved through the Farm Business Resilience Program, which has supported growers since its launch in 2021.
The report highlights improvements in areas such as irrigation efficiency, soil health, erosion control, and farm business planning. These outcomes have been achieved as part of the program's broader goal to help growers manage risk and respond to environmental and market challenges.
Program Manager Kristy Banks said the report was intended to document grower experiences and guide improvements in the program's delivery. She noted that growers have been proactive in seeking support and implementing changes, particularly in upgrading infrastructure and engaging expert advice.
The Hort360 best management practice platform was identified by participants as a useful tool for evaluating existing practices and identifying areas for enhancement. However, growers also provided feedback on the need to streamline elements of the platform, particularly the time commitment required for the business planning module, and to better align it with requirements for future funding applications.
The report shows that growers are interested in additional support and training in areas such as export preparation, biosecurity measures, production management, and disaster planning.
Growers emphasized the importance of support tools being practical, time-efficient, and relevant to the needs of their operations. In response, program administrators plan to refine the delivery of services, reduce duplication, and improve the usability of planning tools to ensure they provide tangible value.
Since the program began, 258 growers have participated, surpassing the original target of 210. A total of 303 farm business plans have been developed or updated, more than doubling the initial goal of 120. These insights will be used to inform future developments of the Farm Business Resilience Program as it continues to evolve with industry needs.
For more information:
Growcom
Tel: +61 07 3620 3844
Email: [email protected]
www.growcom.com.au