AN automatic pineapple picker is one of the ideas to get backing from a program aimed to strengthen Queensland's horticulture future.
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Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) has revealed the successful applicants in the latest round of the Grow Your Field seed funding opportunity.
The round sought to find projects aligned with the industry's Future Fields strategy, which sets out the vision for Queensland's fresh produce sector over the next 10 years.
In the first stage of Future Fields, the sector has prioritised the strategic work areas of:
- coordinated compliance;
- to be bio-strong;
- innovation to access markets;
- working smarter together.
The seed funding recipients are:
Jah Farming, North Qld
JAH Farming received $19,000 to support its Future Proofing Organic Farming project, with investment in drone technology for precision protectant spraying and placement of beneficials.
Wide Bay Pineapples
WIDE Bay Pineapples' Pick & Leave Pineapple Technology got a $19,000 to further develop an agtech solution to automate pineapple picking based on sugar level in a controlled traffic system.
FNQ Food Incubator
FOCUSSED on First Nations Foods, FNQ Food Incubator's $19,000 funding will to investigate, document and publish a list of Far North Queensland native food ingredients, suppliers, buyers, and farming best practices.
Jenn McKee & Taylor Family Produce
JENN McKee & Taylor Family Produce are looking at coordinated compliance for Queensland growers. They received $13,000 for a review of the compliance landscape and practical recommendations for streamlining requirements to assist horticulture growers in Queensland.
Granite Belt Growers Association
UNDER the banner of the Granite Gate to the World project, the association received $19,000 to investigate and document value-adding opportunities and markets for surplus produce from the Granite Belt region.
QFVG head of engagement and advocacy, Angela Seng-Williams, said it was clear there were a lot of great ideas growing in Queensland horticulture.
"The quality and range of applications received demonstrates that growers, their agribusinesses, and social enterprise across the state are doing some brilliant work that will better our sector and have meaningful impact," Ms Seng-Williams said.
"We can't wait to see these projects come to life over the next 12 months and we will be following their progress with optimism and anticipation."
QFVG administers the Grow Your Field Seed Funding through support from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
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