FNQ growers talk undercover farming
Protected cropping offers a controlled environment to nurture some of our most delicate and valuable horticulture crops, but it takes infrastructure, technical expertise, and can present challenges around pollination as well as input costs and intensity.
Far North Queensland growers are better equipped to manage the complexities of protected cropping after attending a hands-on workshop in Atherton recently as part of an ongoing series of grower-led learning opportunities being held across the state.
Growers of vanilla, passionfruit, and flowers spent the day deep-diving into water quality, nutrient management, and the technical demands of protected cropping - an increasingly important production method for high-value horticulture crops.
At Tajenka Nursery, owner Ben Otto shared his water and nutrient recycling systems and provided a rare opportunity for fellow vanilla growers to connect and collaborate.
“We’re a small group trying to start up a new horticultural industry in Australia and the chance to get together to discuss the future with researchers, overseas producers, and end users has been invaluable.”
Lex Peters and Rebekah Freeman, founders of Wild Vanilla—a family-owned vanilla growing and processing business on the Atherton Tablelands—were instrumental in working alongside workshop facilitator Paula Ibell to bring Far North Queensland vanilla growers together for this event.
Rocky Creek Orchards showcased their transition to a grow bag system for passionfruit and demonstrated their approach to tunnel house design and spray technology, giving attendees an up-close look at innovations that support efficient input use and plant health.
The day also featured a learning opportunity around the benefits and scale of protected cropping operations in North Queensland and across Australia, as well as a closer look at water and nutrient recycling systems.
Vanilla growers in particular gained valuable knowledge from Dr Marlize Bekker’s research on vanilla curing chemistry, and Dr Oetker Queen’s Sam Himstedt, who outlined global market trends and local opportunities.
Workshop facilitator Paula Ibell said the workshop’s success was a positive sign for the growth in protected cropping, particularly for the expanding vanilla industry.
“Agrifutures has reported that demand for Australian-grown vanilla is increasing. The interest in this workshop shows that industry not only has the desire to meet that demand, but to do so in a way that demonstrates environmental stewardship,” Ms Ibell said.
This project is jointly supported by the Integrated Engagement and Capacity Building project through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program delivered by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
