“Is it too much to hope to see some long term, well considered strategic policy…” Read the QFF President’s column here
2. Save the date for the Queensland AgWorkforce Summit on 3 – 5 August 2022. The summit is an excellent opportunity to network and learn about innovative strategies that have worked in attracting, retaining and skilling workforce. Agribusiness professionals will collaborate, learn and share experiences that will help agribusiness acquire and retain the workforce that they need to grow. For more info, go to the Summit website.
3. Queensland’s agriculture commodities are forecast to be valued at more than $23.54 billion—a 20 per cent increase on last year. Export levels are also on the rise and volume is also expected to increase in produce including livestock, grains, cotton and other field crops. Check out more AgTrends on the Data Farm dashboard.
4. The next round of the Business Basics grants program opens on 4 May 2022. The Business Basics grants program provides support to businesses to increase core skills and adopt best practice. Grants of up to $5000 are available. More information is available on the Business Queensland website.
5. The Energy Savers program has been a huge success and continues to deliver results for Queensland farmers. You can read more about the program in the April e-newsletter. Read it here.
6. Your post Easter bunny reminder! Now is the time to get on top of rabbit problems. Numbers have fallen with the floods impacting warrens and harbours. Rabbits breed fast and one pair can become 12 or more in month. Stop rabbits from eating your profits. Search for signs of their presence and keep areas where they can breed ripped or fenced off. To learn more about rabbits and how to control them in Queensland, read more here
7. Queensland is leading the way by supporting drought preparedness activities for a broader range of primary producers. QRIDA has been hosting forums throughout Queensland and you can register for your local event here. Can’t make the forum? You can access a webinar series on Queensland drought assistance, including grants, loans, workshops and training here.
8. The RSJA April e-news is out now! You can read it here
9. Federal Election 2022 – in the interest of sharing our member’s platforms, QFF member organisation Canegrowers have produced and Election Advocacy page that outlines a range of issues for consideration. You can read more here.
10. For those interested, the 2022 Agriculture Debate is on at the National Press Club in Canberra today and will be televised on ABC at around 12.30pm. The debate will feature Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud MP and Shadow Minister, Julie Collins MP. It’s sure to be a lively discussion.