Queensland,
Australia
March 18, 2008
The
University of Queensland's
Centre for Native Floriculture (CNF) has developed an
interactive CD to give potential growers of native cut flowers
and foliage a head start on their business development research.
The CD, entitled "I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers",
is the first in a series of scenario-based learning, interactive
CDs that are being developed by the CNF, which is based at
UQ Gatton.
The scenario-based learning, interactive tools are intended to
assist new and potential native flower growers to improve their
understanding of the commercial production of native flowers.
"I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers" is targeted at people
who are looking into growing native flowers and foliage on a
commercial basis and who may be unsure where to start, and what
is involved.
The CD features a scenario-based process which gives a virtual
step-by-step guide to the user's initial business planning and
development activities.
A key characteristic of the Australian native flower industry is
the large variety of crops grown in diverse geographic areas of
Australia.
The "I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers" presentation
considers a generic crop and location. The scenario's generic
nature gives users the essence of what it is like to grow native
flowers.
Some scenario features include an understanding of the required
infrastructure and equipment , an indication of the capital and
operating costs, and an appreciation of the time lag between
planting the crop and income generation. This includes the
implications of this time lag on potential business cash flow.
Another key feature of "I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers"
is the capacity to perform "what ifs" in an active spreadsheet
that shows the effects of changes in price and production on
business cash flow.
Additionally, further reading and research is easily accessible
through embedded information in the forms of documents and links
to web pages about growing native flowers.
The "I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers" CD was officially
launched on Thursday, March 6, by UQ Adjunct Professor Dr Aila
Keto, a conservationist who helped establish the CNF at UQ. The
CNF is co-sponsored by the Queensland Government through its
Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry.
Potential and current growers interested in obtaining the "I
Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers" CD can contact Margaret
Cover at the CNF on (07) 5460 1307 or by email
m.cover@uq.edu.au. |
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