FACING DROUGHT, FLOOD AND PEST CHALLENGES By Bree Grima, Managing Director, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers
The Bundaberg Region has experienced both drought declarations to ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie in the same month. Growers have been struggling with reduced water allocations and this has affected the supply of some producers. Ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie brought over 250mm of rain to the region and while this was a welcome relief a number of producers have found it difficult to access their blocks for harvest. Many sweet potato producers have resorted to full manual harvesting to get through the wet times and recently planted strawberries are struggling. Luckily the next staggered planting will do well. Our thoughts are with our North cousins as they assess the damage to crops and infrastructure and we call on Government assistance to help them get back on the land.
WATER ACCESS Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) has also banded with the local Canegrowers organisations in Bundaberg and the Isis area to buy a temporary bulk water transfer to assist growers that have reduced or nil water access. Through this consortium, a deal was
negotiated that has resulted in a fair price of water per megalitre with no Part A charge and it is hoped that this will also provide some relief.
PEST PRESSURE
QUICK INDUSTRY STATISTICS
In addition to the hot and dry conditions the area also experienced an influx of pest pressure over the Christmas period and BFVG is in the process of investigating if emergency use permits would be a viable option during such times.
Things to know about the Wide Bay area:
The region is continually working towards integrated pest management as its response to and for the prevention of pest pressures however, combined weather conditions occasionally increase these levels unexpectedly.
• The region is estimated to have an annual farm gate value of more than $500 million.
LOCAL ABUNDANCE
Source: Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers.
• The region is known as the salad bowl of Queensland. • The area grows more than 30 different types of fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices.
While struggling with a number of issues, the region is continuing to supply large quantities of quality fruit and vegetables with capsicums hitting the market a little earlier this year.
• Horticulture injects over $1 billion into the local economy and plays an integral role in the nation’s food security.
Bumper lychee crops were reported and these growers, if not harvesting mangoes and other commodities, are now enjoying a well-deserved rest. The region is increasing its overall production of a number of boutique commodities including berries, figs and dragon fruit with the number of crops grown in protected cropping situations also on the rise.
Wide Bay - the salad bowl of Queensland. From left, Carter & Spencer Group Managing Director Craig Spencer and sweet potato grower Brendon Boon, amid the abundance of the Carter & Spencer farm at Bundaberg.
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Autumn 2017
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