Brisbane turns tropical to launch the Year of Horticulture
A mini pineapple plantation has grown overnight with Brisbane awakening to a sight which turns back time. Queens Garden in the centre of Brisbane’s CBD, once the site of the state’s first ever pineapple plot (1838), today is the site of the official launch of the Year of Horticulture.
Organised by peak industry body, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers T/A Growcom, under their new advocacy arm, Horticulture Queensland, the pineapple is the first commodity to be highlighted as part of a year-long awareness campaign of the state’s 104 various fruit, vegetable and nut crops.
Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers Chief Executive Officer Rachel Chambers said, “Over the next 12 months we will celebrate all things horticulture; educate consumers, retailers, and the next generation of growers; and advocate strongly and loudly for an industry none of us can live without.”
“While we will be having fun, there is a serious side and we want it be a year that all that participate in the horticulture industry can be proud of,“ Ms Chambers said.
“This kick-off event is dedicated to pineapples due to the immense impact to the growers as a result of last year’s weather event. The unseasonal temperatures and huge rainfall caused the majority of plants in the South East (and some into Central Queensland) to flower at the same time meaning growers are picking their entire crop right now, instead of picking throughout the year.
“Consumers need to be aware that there is a glut of pineapples on the market, however after this we will all have to wait for them to flower again and regrow a delicious fruit. A process that can take up to a year.”
Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers will also use the year to highlight the history of the state’s horticulture industry, its present-day operations and the advancements which will take it into the future.
The pop-up pineapple plot in Queens Garden was recreated from historical documents.
“On 10 February 1842 Governor Gipps declared Moreton Bay open for Free Settlement. A map drawn in 1844 by C. F. Gerler shows a pineapple garden known as “Slates Pineapple Garden” where Treasury Brisbane now sits,” Ms Chambers said.
“Today, Queensland grows 99% of the nation’s pineapples worth more than $45 million. Most importantly 100% of Australia’s fresh pineapple supply comes directly from Australian growers.
“By activating places and spaces that are no longer synonymous with horticulture we can heighten awareness amongst consumers of the immense history and the important part this industry has played, and will continue to play, in our state’s economy and way of life.”
Treasury Brisbane Chief Operating Officer Justine Russell said they were surprised to learn of the precinct’s horticultural heritage and have gone ‘troppo’ in honour of the pineapple.
“We have made February the month of the pineapple and are proud to support local producers,“ she said.
“We are sourcing the fruit for our wonderful chefs to create a menu item featuring the pineapple in all of our venues from a pineapple-inspired cocktail in the Live Wire Bar to tropical surprises for our high teas.”
The Year of Horticulture will be a year when:
Growers are treated like heroes, revered for being the people who proudly grow the food humans rely on.
Consumers understand the work and costs that go into producing one piece of fruit, veg or nut.
Everyone in the supply chain is finally acknowledged and appreciated for their involvement in food.
Regions remember their history and indeed their future is often linked to horticulture.
Government further comprehends the essential and complex economy of growing food.
The peak body strongly represents horticulture as the most important industry in the world.
Join thousands of consumers, farmers, and foodies as they begin to explore the wonderful world of horticulture. Keep your eyes peeled for further activations across the state. We are going to have fun all year round. You’ll never guess where we will pop up next.
