10 Things to Know from QFF
- QFF alongside its peak industry body members Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) and Canegrowers, welcomed the recent announcement by Minister for Primary Industries the Hon Tony Perrett MP to change to the definition of a ‘primary producer’ in Queensland, allowing greater access to assistance for disaster-affected farmers who may have been previously ineligible.
- The 2025 National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo will be held in Bendigo, Victoria on 23 July 2025. The conference is designed to address the barriers to the uptake of renewables and aims to share stories directly from farmers using renewables. QFF’s energy team will be in attendance and speaking, alongside corporate partner RELA. Learn more here.
- The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers are conducting a Queensland Water Market Effectiveness Study. The Department are seeking your opinions and experiences regarding water trading, including the barriers to participation, your confidence in market regulation, and the quality of information and services available. Complete the survey here by Friday, 20 June 2025.
- CANEGROWERS has welcomed the renewed momentum in Australia-EU free trade negotiations, urging both sides to work towards a deal that delivers meaningful outcomes for Australian agriculture. Read more here.
- The National Response to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) has transitioned from eradication to management after the National Management Group (NMG) for emergency plant pest responses agreed that it is no longer technically feasible to eradicate ToBRFV from Australia. Read more here.
- The 2025 Australian Cotton Collective and Industry Awards hosted by Cotton Australia will be held in Toowoomba from August 5 -7. The Collective will feature some excellent speakers on issues close to the heart of cotton growers – sustainability, water, pest management, precision agriculture, new products, safety and much more. Secure your ticket here.
- The Queensland Government has given the green light for early works on the Paradise Dam project to begin. Read more here.
- The National Horticulture Council has called on all levels of government and supply chain partners to commit to an urgent review of the burden of compliance being carried by business. Read more here. Horticultural businesses are invited to provide information about their experiences via a survey until Friday, 8 August 2025.
- The Energy Information Service for Landholders (EISL) is a free phone service for farmers and landholders in Queensland providing information and guidance on a range of energy matters. Available Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5pm, call 07 3329 7500.
- QFF and Agritourism Queensland have welcomed the inclusion of agritourism in the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 tourism plan which launched last week. Read more here.
Behind the Gate
Sprouting a new generation
Siblings Erin and Josh Cranwell know a thing or two about Brussels Sprouts; they are the fifth generation of their family to grow the green vegetable.
But returning to the farm after high-school was an unexpected surprise for them both.
The brother and sister from Hay Valley and Lake Plains in South Australia, now live and breathe this superfood.
Well aware of the bad reputation the humble sprout has attracted, they are passionate about educating consumers about their wonder crop.
From Paddock … to Plane?
Could the secret to cleaner skies be growing on Australian farms?
A relatively new plant to Australia, Carinata, is making waves as a game-changing source of sustainable jet fuel.
A close cousin of the widely known Canola, Carinata boasts lower water needs and impressive emissions reducing qualities.
The golden crop is returning some winning results in early trials on cotton country.
Dust storm sweeps South Australia
Primary school students in South Australia have braved a whopper of a dust storm to show the world the dry conditions they’re facing.
A red dust storm rolled across the state earlier this week, blanketing towns in an eerie haze.
The small town of Orroroo in the state’s Mid North copped a shellacking of dust.
But the local state school found their most intrepid budding reporter, who gave a timely weather update from the eye of the storm.
“News update from Orroroo,” the little tacker said.
“Can we please have rain?!”
The strong winds sent precious topsoil airborne, an upsetting sight for farmers- especially those who’d dry-seeded.
South Australia, parts of Victoria, New South Wales and Tassie, are all experiencing extremely low rainfall and dry soils.