Facilitating the horticulture development of Bowen and Gumlu (HG11009)

What was it all about?

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association is a representative body for horticultural growers in the Whitsunday Region of North Queensland, located 1200km from Brisbane. The region is the largest winter vegetable growing area in Australia, with an annual value of $450 million.

This project funded an industry development officer from 2011 to 2012, to support growers in that region.

The officer assisted growers to access information, research and development outcomes and training opportunities. The role also supported efforts to build a strong and united industry in the region and links between growers, industry stakeholders and government.

Key outcomes…

• Almost all (94%) growers participated in training, workshops or forums and almost 90 per cent received information from the program
• Grower events provided information on biosecurity, market access, water quality, soil health, area wide management, pest and disease management and irrigation
• The number of collaborative projects in the region increased
• Support was provided to achieve an Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA)-48 to allow interstate export of tomato and capsicum from the region
• The Bowen Gumlu Growers Association had representation on a number of local committees to provide integration of the industry into the organisations, councils, schools and government agencies in the region.

The project made a significant contribution to developing a cohesive, informed and skilled local horticultural industry.