The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has congratulated Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Liberal-National Coalition on being re-elected at the weekend’s Federal Election.
QFF President Stuart Armitage welcomed the Coalition’s recognition that agriculture was a key pillar of the nation’s economy and said that it was now time to deliver for the sector.
“QFF welcomes the Coalition’s third term of government and will continue to work constructively with the government to represent our members’ interests and deliver the thriving agricultural sector our state deserves,” Mr Armitage said.
“Central to achieving this will be the implementation of vital election policies for the competitiveness and prosperity of the sector including drought and flood recovery funding; road, rail and water infrastructure; investment in agricultural research and development; and progress on market access.”
“However, immediate policy change is needed from the government to address the growing issue of electricity affordability, which has so far remained unaddressed.”
“If action is not taken, unsustainable electricity price increases and lagging productivity will result in more expensive food and fibre and the continued loss of international competitiveness.”
“The forthcoming final election result will provide a degree of certainty for the state’s agricultural sector in the coming years, but this must be complemented by a clear and well-articulated vision.”
“Agriculture is the only sector with the ability to deliver food security, environmental sustainability and economic opportunity. In order to achieve this, the regulatory and policy settings must be an enabler and not a constrainer.”
the coalition has announced it will pursue a ‘protected horticulture strategy’ to help farmers grow more fresh produce with less water, if it is re-elected.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says the horticulture sector employs more than 60,000 people nation-wide and it is important to promote new technology to support jobs and growth in the sector.
“Protected horticulture offers a significant opportunity to boost production and help reach our ambition of a $100 billion agricultural sector by 2030,” he said. “Using glasshouses, netting and polytubes could help Australian growers boost production while reducing water use. Dutch farmers have reduced dependence on water for key crops by as much as 90 per cent which shows the potential of protected cropping and horticulture. It also helps to reduce losses from pests and extreme weather.”
“It’s important we find the best way to further expand the use of protected cropping in Australia so farmers get the best possible return on their investment,” Mr Littleproud said. “Our $1.8 billion protected cropping industry offers optimal growing conditions for premium produce and delivers higher yields with less water usage, making it an essential tool during times of drought.
You are invited to join us from 7-10th July on the beautiful Gold Coast for the 2019 Costa Protected Cropping Australia Conference.
Professionals from across the protected cropping industry come back to the PCA Conference year after year … take a look at our program to find out why !
For two full days, the conference will cover the latest innovations in production and technology, and a range of topical industry subjects.
From retail trends, medicinal cannabis, pollination, crisis management, our varied program with 3 concurrent sessions of expert speakers provides everyone the opportunity to find out about the latest developments in the field. There’s also a speed-updating session to showcase the work research students are undertaking.
Over the first two days days, delegates will have the opportunity to browse the extensive trade exhibition, which includes more than 60 leading industry suppliers and partners.
On the final day, delegates will venture into the field to visit farms and production facilities on two field trips – one headed south and west out to Gatton, and the other headed north to the Sunshine Coast.
Don’t miss out! Click here to register now.