Growcom calls for all parties to consider horticulture in run up to State election
Growcom today launched an industry policy statement outlining the key challenges and solutions for production horticulture in the years ahead.
CEO Alex Livingstone said that regardless of which party wins the election at the end of January, the new Government must reduce crippling power prices in the horticulture sector.
“Horticulture is a high user of energy due to its requirements for irrigation, hi-tech packing facilities, cold rooms and the maintenance of climate controlled facilities throughout the supply chain to ensure freshness and food safety,” said Mr Livingstone.
“Electricity tariff increases for 2014/15 will lead to electricity price increases of 10-18 per cent for horticultural businesses, with major impacts on their profitability.
“Electricity price increases must be capped at a modest rate while the National Electricity market must be reformed to increase efficiencies, reduce costs to end users and implement realistic electricity tariffs for rural producers.”
Mr Livingstone said that all parties needed to remember that horticulture directly contributed more than $2.5 billion to the Queensland economy each year, supporting significant regional employment.
“Horticulture is the only agricultural sector to consistently achieve strong growth over the past five years and is the second largest agricultural sector after beef,” he said.
“Given that regional electorates will play an major part in the outcome of this election it is important that all parties remember that horticulture is one of the strong economic performers which will offer opportunities and employment in regional Queensland.
“Regardless of who is elected at the end of January, Growcom seeks government action for production horticulture in these key areas:
• Improved farm profitability, especially reducing energy costs
• Increased investment in plant biosecurity and a strong pest management capability
• Ongoing investment in developing a more proficient horticultural workforce
• Protection for horticultural production areas
• Fostering a healthy eating culture in Queensland
• Sustainable on-farm natural resource management
• Enhancement of supply chain (including exports) and business development opportunities.”
Growcom is distributing the election issues statement to all candidates contesting the State election in important horticultural areas.
“We are also ready to brief politicians and candidates of all political persuasions,” said Mr Livingstone.
A schedule of meetings with politicians and candidates is well under way.
Growcom encourages growers to visit their local candidates with copies of the document to ensure they are fully briefed on issues in their region.
Growcom’s industry policy statement may be read at www.growcom.com.au
Alex Livingstone
Tel: 0061 7 3620 3844 or 0418 786 413.