Horticulture – we are ‘half the plate’
The horticulture industry in Queensland is vital yet complex. The industry not only made up of a diverse array of commodities but has a number of regional grower groups who each strongly represent their own agendas to further the industry’s progress.
Whilst regional representation is highly effective for pushing specific localised issues, a strong, united position across the state reduces the ability of government to play wedge politics, along with the ability to amplify the voice of the industry to the government on important state-wide impacts. After all, we do represent at least ‘half the plate’ and also deserve to be heard and supported along with our cousins in the beef industry.
The Queensland Horticulture Council (QHC), which gathers regularly, provides this forum to advance issues and opportunities on behalf of industry. It does this by sharing information, framing unified policy positions, and developing a coordinated approach to advocacy effort. These QHC advocacy and policy positions are then fed into Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) as the state representative body for horticulture.
Last week the QHC met face to face with each side of politics to formally table and discuss the regional advocacy platform for the upcoming election. This Cultivating Change for Horticulture in Queensland document outlines priority issues and potential solutions that have emerged across the state that will be driven home during the campaign. This is a real opportunity to harness the strengths of the productive diversity of the agricultural regions for the benefit of the Queensland economy.
It is important to note that similar key issues were raised across regions. Water security, affordability and reliability, road infrastructure and flood proofing the Bruce Highway, biosecurity protection, reducing the compliance burden, cost of inputs and labour issues were all top of the list.
Additional issues that are critical to managing agribusinesses in the regions were also raised including getting the sector’s data right (it’s not), local government planning and on-farm connectivity. Employers’ rights and welfare along with margin transparency from contracted retailers are also of major concern as is the right to farm and residential incursions into farming operations.
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) is bringing together this work across growing regions into a cohesive, united position to drive home the importance of horticulture.
We need a new deal with the next government. One that recognises the immense contribution we are making and can make amongst enormous challenges. We are seeking the next government to have an active, open and effective partnership with us (growers across the state) – a partnership which recognises that the health of the agricultural industry is beneficial to all businesses and the economy of Queensland.
It’s time to walk the talk and for action!
