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10 Things to Know from QFF

10 With a proactive goal to boost sustainability, QFF member Growcom’s Hort360 South-East Queensland water quality program is set to be refunded through the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science (DES), with a $1.1 million investment over the next three years.  For all the details, see Growcom’s media release HERE.

2. QFF member Cotton Australia is hosting this week’s Rural Press Club (RPC) lunch, to reflect on industry’s successes and its opportunities ahead, including ambitious plans for expansion of cotton’s production footprint in Northern Australia.  Join QFF at the RPC on Thursday, 23 June when it welcomes long-time Cotton Australia CEO, Adam Kay. Details HERE.

3. A partnership between the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has secured new direct flights between San Francisco and Brisbane. New passenger routes support future trade opportunities for fresh food producers with a significant amount of perishable and time urgent cargo being transported under the belly of passenger flights.  Information HERE.

4. The 2022 Australian Cotton Conference will be on the Gold Coast from August 16-18, bringing together new and experienced farmers, agronomists and researchers, brands and marketers, students, supply chain partners, industry groups and cotton groupies.  Registrations are open.  Go HERE to register.

5. The Office of Industrial Relations is investigating the introduction of WHS regulations to improve the safety of workers and others when operating quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles at a workplace. QFF notes the significant contribution to this submission that was made in particular by our members Cotton Australia and Growcom.  See QFF’s response to the HERE.

6. QFF and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) are pleased to announce that 9 primary producers from around the state have been successful in securing grants in round 1 of the Queensland Agritourism Grants Program. Grants were awarded to support innovative agritourism ventures right across Queensland.  More information HERE.

7. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) doesn’t affect people, but it is a threat to Australia’s agricultural industry. Australia’s Chief Vet, Dr Mark Schipp, explains how the virus is transmitted between animals. Watch Dr Schipp’s full video to learn the signs of FMD and our responsibilities in reporting suspected cases of the disease. Video and more information HERE.

8. Nominations for the 2022 Reef Champion Awards are open. The Awards recognise the dedicated land managers, Traditional Owners, extension officers, industries and members of the community excelling in their efforts to help safeguard the future of the Reef. Find more information and the sponsorship prospectus HERE.

9. Speakers have been announced for the online Queensland Agworkforce Summit to be held August 3-5.  Join QFF in an interactive, collaborative, online experience bringing together Queensland agribusinesses to discuss workforce issues and strategies to ensure they have a sustainable workforce over the next five years. Find more information and register HERE.

10. The Food Connect Foundation is hosting a series of soil health and testing workshops in South-East Queensland, fully subsidised/free for growers. Deepen your understanding of how soils work.  Learn different ways to regenerate and manage your soil’s health for better yield, productivity and climate resilience.  All details can be found HERE.