AU: HAL and BFVG tour key farms and suppliers in the Bundaberg region
The Bundaberg Region is one of the fastest growing and most productive regions in Australia in terms of horticulture produce. It is also one of the most diverse growing regions and is producing some of the country’s most innovative value add horticulture industries. HAL Directors were very keen to meet with the local industry to see first-hand the diversity and innovation occurring in the region.
Mr Selwyn Snell, Chair of Horticulture Australia, speaking to (left) Toni Newman, Bundaberg Research Facility and (centre) Michael McMahon, Abbotsleigh Citrus
"Bundaberg producers demonstrated that they are amongst the most innovative and positive grower groups in the country," said Mr Selwyn Snell, Chair of Horticulture Australia. "While there is a huge diversity of horticultural crops, the unity of the district is a great example of how growers can be united to deliver maximum productivity."
"I can’t praise enough the work that Bundaberg FVG is doing in this Region and on behalf of HAL, I would like to give special praise to Mr David Da Paoli of Austchilli and Mr Peter Hockings from BFVG for the work they put in to organise this visit. It has been a stand out event for the Board."
The tour was greatly anticipated by growers in the region. BFVG invited key Bundaberg growers to the industry networking dinner on 7 August at Spinnaker Restaurant – one of the biggest events in the Bundaberg growers’ social calendar.
About the tour
The first day, HAL visited Austchilli (chillis), Alloway; Goodwood Plantation (avocados), Redridge; Sweet Sensations (lychees), South Bingera; and Perfection Fresh (blueberries), Kensington.
The HAL delegation also invited to Isis State High School for lunch on the first day, where they learnt about the development of skills and training in the region.
On the second day, the HAL delegation visited Alloway Macadamias (macadamias), Alloway; Windhum Farms (sweet potato); Tinaberries (strawberries and passionfruit), Bundaberg; Marto Farms (pumpkins and melons), Bundaberg; and the DAFFQ Research Station, for an overview of careers, skills and training in the region.