AU: Workshop helps horti growers prepare for risk of extreme weather

A free workshop for horticultural growers in Bowen next week will talk about practical ways in which they can prepare for natural disasters and the steps that can be taken for a faster recovery. Growcom will run the first 'Whatever the Weather' workshop in Bowen next Thursday, 6 March from 9.30 am – 1 pm at South Colonial Room, Merinda Village Hotel, 13 Linley Street, Bowen. Lunch will be provided at 1 pm.

Workshop organiser, Jane Muller, who is Senior Research and Policy Officer at Growcom, said that the devastating string of natural disasters that affected Queensland in the past few years is never far from mind, particularly during summer when extreme weather is most likely to be experienced.

“Extreme weather events seem to be occurring more frequently, and may be increasing in intensity and causing more damage. The economic and social costs of the damage from these natural disasters are escalating,” said Ms Muller. “Most reliable climate projections suggest we can expect extreme weather to become more intense and more frequent in the future. Indeed, 2013 was the hottest year ever recorded in Australia,” she said.

“In advance of future events, plans need to be well and truly in place to ensure farming enterprises stay viable and can continue to operate, given that a regular farm income may not be possible for months after a natural disaster, or possibly even years based on past form. For horticulture businesses in risky regions, preparation for natural disasters needs to become a standard part of business management processes.

“These workshops will discuss how that can be done and will seek input from growers about their experiences, and what worked and what didn’t.”

For more information:
Jane Muller
Growcom AU
Tel: +61 07 3620 3844
Email: jmuller@growcom.com.au.
www.growcom.com.au