Markets leaders help guide Future Fields

New teams of existing and emerging leaders have been appointed to bring the Queensland fresh produce sector and supply chain together, including Brisbane Markets Limited’s Anthony Kelly and Brismark’s Eddie Alvarenga. Chair of Brisbane Markets Limited, Mr Kelly, has joined the Future Fields Advisory Committee, which will help guide the development of a new 10-year strategic plan for the fresh produce sector and supply chain. “As a vital link in the fresh produce supply chain, it is very important for Brisbane Markets to be involved in planning for the future of our industry in Queensland,” Mr Kelly said. Over the next few months, a group of a dozen Future Leaders will work in small teams developing action plans around each of the four fields, or areas of strategic interest, that will be focused on over the first two years of the new plan, called Future Fields. Joining the team and representing Brisbane Markets is Brismark’s Marketing and Program Executive, Mr Alvarenga, who said he is looking forward to working with the group to develop action plans for Queensland’s horticulture industry. “I am really impressed with the breadth of experience amongst my fellow participants and look forward to bringing the perspective of the wholesale fresh produce industry to the table,” Mr Alvarenga said. Growcom CEO, Stephen Barnard, said it was exciting, and also essential, to have such a diverse and talented group to work with senior Growcom and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff in developing the strategic plan. “The Future Fields Leaders are such an important part of our strategic planning process. To be successful, Future Fields must be owned by all stakeholders across the supply chain,” Mr Barnard said. “Through Future Fields we are taking control of our own destiny, so it’s essential the team developing the plan and the actions we need to take together reflect the great diversity of interests and expertise in our industry.” The Future Fields plan is expected to be released and launched during the annual Hort Connections national industry conference in Brisbane in early June.

Brisbane Markets Limited Chair, Anthony Kelly, has joined the Future Fields Advisory Committee.

To read the Future Fields Interim Report, click or scan the QR code.

The fresh produce sector and supply chain in Queensland has agreed on four key fields of strategic interest to pursue over the first two years of its new industry plan, Future Fields. Through an extensive grassroots engagement and consultation process, these four fields have risen to the top in terms of the likely benefit to industry from taking action, and the level of collaboration required to bring that benefit about.

Reaching new markets through innovation in food processing, packaging and logistics.

Building skills to adopt and apply the new technologies that will reduce reliance on low skilled and labourintensive roles.

Managing pests, diseases and biosecurity risks using data intelligence and collaboration.

Making it easier for growers to comply with government regulations and meet market driven requirements through digitisation and eliminating duplication.