North Queensland vegetable growers are set to benefit from the next phase of a national extension program aimed at boosting productivity and delivering the latest research and development on-farm.
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Led by Australia's peak vegetable industry body AUSVEG, the new $14.1 million VegNET 3.0 program will be delivered through Hort Innovation using vegetable industry levies and funds from the Australian government.
The project will run for five years, with AUSVEG working closely alongside extension organisations Australia wide who have strong grassroots connections with local growers.
In North Queensland, the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association will work alongside growers throughout the course of the program to provide extension and support to help producers solve challenging issues in the field.
BGGA general manager, Rye Collins said working with and supporting growers in the field, in the shed or in their business remains a key focus for VegNET.
"The close ties with our grower network and the experience we have developed in extension will support the continuation in delivering good value to growers," he said.
"We welcome the opportunity to continue working on VegNET with AUSVEG and Hort Innovation to help vegetable businesses in our region improve the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of their businesses."
According to AUSVEG chief executive officer Michael Coote, a nationally-coordinated model for the new VegNET program will work hand-in-glove with regional organisations, producing the right mix of consistency and regionality for producers in every region.
"Vegetable growers in north Queensland are world-leaders in the production of high-quality, healthy vegetables and are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and grow more sustainably and develop their businesses," said Mr Coote.
"AUSVEG and BGGA are well-placed to work together to deliver a high-performing, consistent and efficient VegNET program that will meet vegetable growers' needs."
Hort Innovation chief executive officer Matt Brand said the initiative complements Hort Innovation's dedicated extension arm which was created in 2019, and builds on the foundation and momentum generated through previous VegNET programs.
"This supercharged 5-year extension initiative takes a collaborative, local focus, with northern Queensland receiving tailored support that meets local challenges," he said.
"VegNET arms growers with the latest evidence-based tools and information in vital areas such as biosecurity, pest and disease management, soil and water management, the supply chain and protected cropping.
"A strong extension network that connects growers with local, regional and international experts will be an important element to the industry's future success."
BGGA is one of 10 regional development officer partners that will work as part of the VegNET network to deliver this program.
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