A major grower group in North Queensland has unveiled a new name to recognise its broad membership base and strong lobbying position.
The Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association will now be known as FNQ Growers.
FNQ Growers Chair Joe Moro said the association would continue to operate as normal as the peak representative body for horticulture growers in Far North Queensland, with a strong focus on representing the interests of its members and the issues and challenges they face.
“Our association is steeped in history, with its beginnings from the late 1940s/early 1950s,” Mr Moro said.
“There were periods of inactivity until the 1970s when it began to establish itself as a strong advocate for horticulture growers from the northern Tablelands.
“The association of today is more than just the Tablelands – it extends north to Lakeland and as far south to the Ayr and the Burdekin growing areas, so the new trading name is a natural fit to reflect our broad membership base.”
Mr Moro said the association’s advocacy role would be strengthened under the new trading name.
“FNQ Growers is a strategic shift to ensure our growers have a strong voice at the table where decisions on issues impacting their livelihood are made,” Mr Moro said.
“It positions us well into the future as we strive to support our growers’ long term growth and profitability.”