More than 160 pineapple growers, agronomists, wholesalers, retailers and industry supporters converged on south east Queensland last week for the Elimbah Co-op 2019 Pineapple Field Days.
The event was hosted by the Fullerton family on their farm and in their new pack house, located in the Glasshouse Mountains, just north of Brisbane and inland from the Sunshine Coast.
Attendees were treated to inspections of research trials, machinery demonstrations, reports on industry marketing activities, and tours of packing facilities at both Fullerton Farms and the Pinata Farms.
The much anticipated gala dinner, sponsored by Allclass Kubota, was held at Glasshouse Sports Club and featured an address from local MP for Glasshouse Andrew Powell whose ongoing support for the pineapple industry was warmly welcomed.
An auction for two pineapple-themed braziers, donated by TriCal Australia, was held to raise money for Gatton man Gavin Boekel and his family sfter a horrific accident earlier this year when he became trapped in farming machinery. Pineapple industry members Ken Fullerton Snr and Murray Pike outbid all present to take home the coveted items.
In association with Australian Pineapples, Growcom is proud to continue the tradition of the Pineapple Field Days, one of the biggest annual events in our growers' calendars.
We would like to thank Australian Pineapples chairman Stephen Pace for leading attendees through a busy itinerary and the Fullerton and Scurr families for their warm hospitality in hosting this year's on-farm activities.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to all the sponsors of the field day including those mentioned here and many more besides. Without their generous support or the support of wider industry, the Pineapple Field Days would simply cease to be.
The Australian pineapple industry is focused on a couple of key growing regions, with the Glasshouse Mountains being one of the biggest. Just on 98 per cent of all pineapples are grown in Queensland, contributing a hefty $70 million to our economy annually.
Plans for next year's field days are already under way with the 2020 event set to take place in the beautiful city of Bundaberg at the centre of another important growing region.
