Future’s bright for Aussie horticulture
Custard apple and macadamia farmer Daniel Jackson, from Glass House Mountains, is one of three Queensland producers who make up the eight fruit and vegetable growers shortlisted for the prestigious 2019 Young Grower of the Year Award that honours growers aged 35 years and under. The national award recognises the next generation of the Australian horticulture industry, specifically those who Daniel and his daughter Grace demonstrate a high level of commitment to innovation and who have a track record of dedication to their local community and the broader agriculture industry. When Daniel, from Jackson Agricultural Company, was asked how he felt about being shortlisted for the award he said it was very motivating to be recognised for the efforts he was putting in and gave him the drive to achieve more. He believes that it is important to share the success stories of young growers and show that it is possible to have a prosperous career in agriculture, thus encouraging other young people into farming. “The greatest challenge for young growers is accessing capital to enter agriculture and, in most cases, young farmers require both on farm and off farm income, which can be difficult to manage,” Daniel said. He also thinks it is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of agriculture in Australia. The award is part of the AUSVEG National Awards for Excellence, which will be presented on Wednesday, June 26 during the Hort Connections convention in Melbourne.
Strawesome winter strawberries
Local strawberry growers are set to serve up a ‘strawesome’ winter season following the official launch last week at Strawberry Fields by the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner Queensland’s contribution to winter production is significant with locally grown strawberries renowned for their size, colour and juicy flavour. Mr Furner said Queensland strawberry growers produced up to 30,000 tonnes or about 60 million punnets of fruit per season, which is about 40% of Australia’s annual strawberry production. “These sweet and nutritious local strawberries can be used in winter warmers such as crumbles, a strawberry version of banana bread, on pancakes with syrup, in traditional favourites like strawberries and cream, in smoothies or even as a tasty addition to salsas,” he said. Mr Furner said Queensland strawberries made an important contribution to the state’s economy and the launch of the winter season was a perfect reminder for families to add strawberries to the weekly shopping list now. Queensland Strawberry Growers’ Association president and proud strawberry farmer in Elimbah, Luigi Coco, said he was optimistic about the availability and quality of the fresh strawberries to come this season. “After a difficult start with drought-affected strawberry nursery plants, the current warm sunny days are helping the young plants to get established and start to produce their wonderful balls of winter sunshine,” Mr Coco said. “The late start to the season has meant that strawberries have been slightly scarce for the past few weeks. “As our growers start to pick their first harvests, I urge Queenslanders to get out and start buying strawberries now as Strawberry grower Luigi Coco some of the freshest, juiciest berries can be had in June and July.” witk Minister Mark Furner
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