Australia
June 6, 2013
Peak horticulture organisation Growcom welcomes the release of the Queensland Government’s vision for the agriculture sector.
Queensland’s agriculture strategy: A 2040 vision to double agricultural production outlines a framework to achieve that vision.
Growcom CEO Alex Livingstone said the strategy provides a positive vision for the industry and recognises the agriculture sector’s importance to the Queensland economy.
“We’re pleased to see that the final strategy plans to double agricultural production by 2040,” Mr Livingstone said.
“While this is an ambitious goal, this is the level of commitment that will be required to lift the productivity and profitability of the many small businesses within the sector.
“The release of the strategy coincides with the Government’s announcement that electricity tariffs for irrigators will be capped at 10 per cent instead of a recommended 20 per cent which is an important concession for the agriculture sector.
“It is clear that the Government has listened to the feedback from industry and is continuing to support one of its four pillars.”
The agriculture strategy includes:
- investment in research, development and extension to boost productivity
- improved biosecurity preparedness
- programs to improve resilience to natural disasters
- increasing access to export markets
- keeping production costs under control.
“While further details on specific programs are required, this document provides more information on initiatives and implementation plans than the recently released National Food Plan,“ Mr Livingstone said.
“We appreciate the Government’s efforts to reign in cost increases, including the cap on transitional electricity tariff rises to 10 per cent for 2013/14, however growers are still facing large cost increases for both electricity and water.
“While electricity costs for irrigation have been capped for next year, horticulture growers are also heavily reliant on electricity to power cool rooms and packing facilities that are essential for providing fresh and safe food to consumers.
“Longer term solutions to rising input costs will require an ongoing commitment to reform of the electricity and water sectors.
“We look forward to working with the government to implement the strategy and create a stronger and more sustainable horticulture industry.”
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