In the past three months, more than 30 growers on approximately 3200 hectares of farmland in South East Queensland have completed detailed farm assessments through the soil management and water quality modules of Hort360. Hort360 is Growcom's Best Management Practice (BMP) program in the production horticulture area.
The sediment and water quality modules aim to deliver improved farm management land practices to reduce sediment, fertiliser and farm chemical runoff in the Lockyer Valley, Bremer, Mid Brisbane and Pumicestone catchment areas.
The Growcom Hort360 team is well on track to reach a target of 40 farm assessments by the end of 2015.
Australian Pineapples Chairman and Beerwah pineapple grower, Chris Fullerton is among growers who have completed a farm assessment and are impressed with the process.
Mr Fullerton said that he was keen to find out how his farming practices rated in achieving his environmental responsibilities. He emphasises that natural resource management is an important issue for horticulture growers with a large proportion of Queensland’s fruit and vegetable industry located close to sensitive environments such as Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier Reef.
The production horticulture industry is committed to the effective management of agricultural runoff and the responsible use of agricultural chemicals and Hort360 enables the industry to get on the front foot in these issues through voluntarily implementing a science based and practical approach.
The response from growers has been very positive. Growers are receptive to the idea of undertaking a farm assessment to protect their properties’ natural assets. They have found the farm assessment process is quick and convenient as well as thought-provoking. They understand that their subsequent actions will not only save themselves money and improve productivity and sustainability on their farms but it will also reduce the amount of run-off into catchments which feed into Moreton Bay.
Growcom, and the Queensland Government launched the Hort360 program in August last year. It is the first whole of farm BMP program for production horticulture.
Hort360 is a step by step, facilitated risk assessment tool designed to give growers a 360 degree view of their farm business operations, identifying potential risks, capitalising on business opportunities and highlighting unnecessary farm expenses.
SEQ growers who wish to get involved in the soil sediment management module should contact Rowena Beveridge: 0417 783 313 rbeveridge@growcom.com.au or Anna Geddes: 0413 902 218 ageddes@growcom.com.au.
