AU: Support for R&D in Horticulture
Growcom CEO Alex Livingstone said that this funding to assist the industry to review the Horticulture Workforce Plan developed by industry in 2008 and set a new plan for the next three years was a welcome acknowledgment of horticulture’s status as the largest employer in the Queensland agriculture sector.
“Growcom is very pleased to see this announcement for the Horticulture Workforce Plan. Horticulture has a high demand for skilled labour, and the funding and commitment to provide both training and education in the sector and to encourage new students into the agricultural area through school-based apprenticeships, traineeships, and improving the awareness of agricultural careers, would be a great shot in the arm for our $2 billion a year industry,” Mr Livingstone said.
“Today’s other announcement of $3 million for research and development in agriculture is also something Growcom endorses. Government investment in agricultural R&D has dropped off world-wide since the 1970s, and we are starting to see a decline in crop yield growth as a result. At a time when we need to increase productivity, a boost in agricultural R&D is a very positive thing.
“We note that part of the announced R&D funding will go towards biosecurity. This is on top of a recent announcement by the LNP regarding a net increase in Biosecurity Queensland officers, replacing 15 retiring officers and adding additional positions,” said Mr Livingstone.
“Despite budgets being very tight, Growcom is pleased to see three of our top election issues – biosecurity, research & development, and workforce planning – receiving promises of funding from the LNP,” Mr Livingstone said.