Leaders of Queensland's horticultural industry will have greater access to the ear of Queensland Agriculture Minister, Mark Furner.
The Queensland Horticulture Council met with Mr Furner this week for the first of what will become quarterly meetings.
The streamlined access to government is designed to assist growers in their battle with challenges outside of their control. The industry has been hit by successive hurdles such as drought, pests and labour shortages, which continue to jeopardise the future of many growers.
Chairman of the Queensland Horticulture Council and president of Far North Queensland Growers Joe Moro said it was important for the industry to have a direct voice to government, especially during Queensland's economic recovery from COVID-19.
"We've always had direct contact with Minister Furner but this has been an opportunity to have a unified voice to say these are the issues we are dealing with across Queensland," Mr Moro said.
"Having direct communications with the state government was important in maintaining critical supply lines and operations during the pandemic.
"Quarterly meetings between Minister Furner and the Queensland Horticulture Council means the horticulture sector can continue to have that direct input and we can regularly update the government on what the industry needs to succeed."
Mr Furner hailed the positive outlook and commitment of industry stakeholders who took part in the meeting.
"The Palaszczuk government has recognised that the agricultural industry is a key pillar of Queensland's plan for economic recovery, and that means we need important industry voices around the table," Mr Furner said.
"Horticulture is an important part of the industry, and these quarterly meetings will allow key industry players to have face-to-face conversations about the issues having an impact on the sector."
Labour supply, water and the upcoming virtual trade mission with Indonesia were all discussed at the meeting.
"I'm looking forward to spending more time in the regions and visiting some of these key stakeholders to get a first-hand view of their operations," Mr Furner said.
"This sector will be important to growing our agricultural exports and regional jobs, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with them."
