Gearing Up Hort
Since June, hundreds of horticultural growers across Queensland have participated in a QFVG-led Geared Up Growers Negotiation Tactics Masterclass. Feedback has been excellent; and we watched on as growers built their knowledge, skills, and confidence in negotiation and working with retailers and wholesalers to level up the power imbalance.
During the sessions, growers enjoyed learning from the two NextGen Group masters, speaking up without fear of retribution, reviewing their own negotiation relationships, and asking for help to make important business decisions. Participating growers have now moved into their 1:1 support phase. This customised support puts the grower and their business at the centre and works with them on maximising positive change to their bottom line.
In 2025, QFVG will build on the success and momentum of this training by providing learning and development opportunities under Geared Up Horticulture.
We heard loud and clear that more of this style of training and sector development was needed. We also heard growers’ requests for QFVG and regional grower groups to be the bridge to accessing it. We’re all on the job.
The training priorities identified included:
Practical training to meet compliance obligations such as forklift, first aid, chemcert, HACCSP; and
Business support across areas such as workplace health and safety, sustainability, mental health, Hort and Grocery Code, management, and leadership training.
QFVG will take the lead on state-wide training under our new training arm - Geared Up Horticulture, while regional grower groups—as the members of Queensland Horticulture Council actively supported by QFVG—will coordinate the delivery of practical on-farm training. Our first state-wide ‘cab off the rank’ is Truck Licence Training for horticulture.
The timing is right. Training subsidies of up to 60% are now available through the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) SmartAg Queensland program. As QFVG is a Tier 1 Member of QFF this arrangement affords us the opportunity to guide and support regional and state horticulture training priorities through the program.
Horticultural growers can from today, register their interest in training in their area via the online form on our website at: www.qfvg.com.au/geared-up
