There has been ‘great interest’ from growers in the first two rounds of funding for expansion of horticultural production in the QLD Murray-Darling Basin, according to the Department of Agriculture’s project representative. “We’re encouraging both big and small projects for applications. The main purpose is about increasing economic activity in the region through the establishment of new high value horticultural chains and flow on in job creation,” said Justin Heaven, Senior Industry Development Officer with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Grower information sessions held by the Department since Monday have been well attended, according to Mr Heaven.
The funding, totaling $1.2 million over three years, is to encourage growers to diversify existing operations, and will be for irrigators focused on the Goondiwindi and Balonne Regional Council areas. Startups in citrus, garlic, blueberries and expansion of existing operations in peaches, black plum, and other stonefruit crops grown in small amounts in the area have been successful so far. “We’ll fund infrastructure, packing sheds, logistics and establishment costs, but we won’t fund operational and ongoing costs,” added Mr Heaven.
Applicants are eligible to receive up to $100,000, or 50% of the total project cost. Successful applicants will also have additional support, and can engage the services of a business consultant, financial advisor or accountant or other professional to help develop their business plan.
Export markets will be a key focus for the project funding which opened on Monday August 17 and makes $400,000 available for growers to diversify. “As part of the project we’ve engaged the services of Trade Invest Queensland to investigate export markets for new horticulture crops from the region” Mr Heaven said.
Another round of grants, up to $10,000 per entity, is also available through the Department, according to Mr Heaven, to fund on farm water productivity. “There are actually a total of eight projects throughout the Basin, and project three, on water productivity, is very interesting to applicants too.”
The last of this week's roadshow events for growers is in St George, on Thursday, August 20, at Riversands Wines.
Interested parties can RSVP to justin.heaven@daf.qld.gov.au or phone 132523