Grower feedback shapes future support for Queensland horticulture
Queensland’s horticulture industry is taking a big step forward with data-driven insights that promise smarter, more resilient farming. A new report from Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers highlights how growers are improving productivity, sustainability, and profitability thanks to the Farm Business Resilience Program.
The report, Understanding & Enhancing Practice Improvement in Horticulture, captured the meaningful strides taken by growers who have participated in the program since its 2021 launch.
On-farm improvements around irrigation and water management, soil health, erosion control and business planning are some of the outcomes that growers have achieved through working with the program.
Program Manager Kristy Banks said growers were taking the initiative to access these opportunities and invest in the infrastructure and expert advice needed to futureproof their agribusinesses.
“Farming is a long game, and Queensland growers know that,” Ms Banks said.
“They’re using support from the Farm Business Resilience Program to identify risks, set priorities, and build businesses that are prepared for the varied challenges horticulture faces.”
“Our goal [in commissioning the report] was to learn from grower experiences with the program and use those insights to ensure we can improve our delivery, and bring value where growers need it most.”
As well as pathways to funding support, growers praised the Hort360 best management practice platform as being helpful in identifying areas for improvement or validating current practices.
Grower feedback will inform updates to the program’s delivery, namely in addressing the amount of time needed to complete the farm business planning module in Hort360, as well as better aligning the module with any future funding application requirements.
Insights from Hort360 also show that growers are seeking further training and support in areas such as export readiness, biosecurity, production management, and disaster planning.
“Growers were clear, they want support that’s simple, practical, and doesn’t waste their time,” Ms Banks said.
“The findings in the report backed up what we’ve been hearing for a while, and it’s given us a clear direction for where to improve.
“We’re taking that feedback seriously and shifting the way we deliver the program by cutting duplication, making the tools easier to use, and making sure business plans are actually helpful.
“Whether it’s applying for funding, managing risk, or setting goals, we want this to work for growers, not against them."
Since 2021, 258 growers have participated in the program, exceeding the target of 210, with 303 Farm Business Plans developed or updated, more than doubling the expected 120.
The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaptation Program.
