Vegetable growers in North Queensland are set to benefit from the next generation of a national extension program aimed to boost productivity and deliver the latest research and development on-farm.
The new $14.1M VegNET 3.0 program is being delivered through Hort Innovation using vegetable industry levies and funds from the Australian Government, and led by Australia’s peak vegetable industry body AUSVEG.
On-the-ground extension in North Queensland will be undertaken by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA), which employs dedicated regional development officers with strong grower networks in vegetable producing regions.
“Working with growers to help them solve challenging issues in the field, in the shed or in the business is a key focus for VegNET,” said Ry Collins, General Manager of BGGA.
“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. 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 CEO Michael Coote, a nationally-coordinated model for the new VegNET program will work hand-in-glove with regional organisations to produce the right mix of consistency and regionality to ensure all growers in every region have the opportunity to benefit advice and support to help grow a sustainable crop and profitable business.
“VegNET is an important program for our industry. 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 VegNET initiative complements Hort Innovation’s dedicated extension arm which was created in 2019. He said it also 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.”
BGGA is one of 10 regional development officer partners that will work as part of the VegNET network to deliver this program. Regional development officer partners include:
Region | Regional Development Officer (organisation) |
New South Wales | Local Land Services New South Wales |
Northern Territory | NT Farmers |
Queensland – Bowen-Gumlu | Bowen-Gumlu Growers Association |
Queensland – Bundaberg | Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers |
Queensland – Lockyer Valley | Lockyer Valley Growers |
South Australia | AUSVEG SA |
Tasmania | RM Consulting Group |
Victoria – Gippsland | Food and Fibre Gippsland |
Victoria – Northern, Southern and Western | AUSVEG |
Western Australia | vegetablesWA |
“While growers are facing significant issues with labour shortages, rising input costs and an increasingly volatile climate, the industry is well-placed to overcome these challenges and take advantage of the research and services on offer in Australia to improve its productivity and increase its value to help the agriculture sector meet its goal of $100 billion by 2030,” said Mr Coote.
“A strong extension network that connects growers with local, regional and international experts will be an important element to the industry’s future success”
