Growcom has teamed up with the Department of Environment and Science to improve best management practice of horticulture growers in Reef catchments over the next four years.
The Queensland Government has committed $1.95 million towards the Hort360 Great Barrier Reef Best Management Practice (BMP) Program (Hort360 GBR), which aims to boost the productivity and profitability of land managers and assist them with natural resource management.
The new program, running until 2022, will support the horticulture industry to address environmental impacts and agricultural run-off from farmland entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
Growcom is pleased to welcome two new field staff based in Townsville and Bundaberg to facilitate the delivery of this program. Lindsay Allen will work with growers in north and far north Queensland while Michelle Haase will focus on the central Queensland and Burnett regions.
Using our Hort360 software, Lindsay and Michelle will help growers identify risks and opportunities for their businesses by giving them a 360 degree view of their farm operations
The step-by-step risk assessment tool has been based on many years of extension work with growers throughout Queensland through our involvement in the Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative, Reef Trust programs and SEQ Water Quality project.
With the help of Hort360 software, growers can develop action plans supported by information, technical support and extension activities that address agricultural runoff.
Developing natural resource management strategies such as these is an important step forward for Queensland’s fruit, vegetable and nut industries whose production is close to sensitive environments such as the Great Barrier Reef.
Growcom is thankful that the Queensland Government is taking a holistic approach to the BMP concept and looks forward to a continued successful working relationship.
We also anticipate further collaboration with industry to develop a Reef certification pathway enabling growers to be recognised as Hort360 GBR custodians.