A new chapter for farm business resilience
Queensland horticultural growers will be better supported to tackle the complexities faced around climate risks, market challenges, and modern farm management with further support now available through Growcom’s Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP) for horticulture.
Former Harvest Trail Information Service State Manager, Kristy Banks has taken the reins as the FBRP Program Manager, bringing a wealth of experience in horticultural extension program management.
Also joining the team are Lara Wilde, Managing Director of AgriFood Catalyst, and Ebony Faichney, Founder and Managing Director of Farmour.
Lara is no stranger to FBRP, having been a longtime collaborator with the program assisting FBRP clients with business advice in her previous role as CEO of the FNQ Food Incubator.
“We’ve worked with growers for many years to create value added, shelf stable products from surplus produce; creating new income streams and opportunities for brand awareness.” Lara said.
“Collaborating with QFVG to deliver the FBRP means we can connect our growers with many more services and supports to make their farm business more resilient.
“We really appreciate working with such a professional team and such a comprehensive and supportive program,” said Lara.
Ebony is a horticulturalist and Managing Director of Farmour. Most recently, she worked alongside mango growers in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, through “the wet season that just never wanted to end,” as she put it.
“It’s great to be part of the QFVG team to deliver this program in Mareeba and surrounds. The self-assessment is an easy tool for a quick business health check-up, in addition to the drought funding and loan products available. I look forward to helping new and old clients get the most out of what we can offer.”
The FBRP has been open to horticultural growers throughout the state since 2021. In this time 187 growers have completed the Farm Business Resilience module within the industry’s best management practice platform, Hort360.
Horticultural growers’ engagement with FBRP has led to a variety of farm business improvements including:
Valley Syndicate, Bungundarra: John Cranny used the Program to secure a QRIDA Sustainability Loan, which helped finalise the finances needed to acquire a stake in the family farm. This support helped ensure the farm’s continuity and resilience through careful planning and succession management.
Lakeland Produce, Lakeland: Through the Program Maria Lorenzo was able to complete a whole farm risk analysis and develop a business plan to produce value-added organic products. She plans to grow her farm with QRIDA support to fund a dam to improve water security and farm resilience.
Carey Farm, Dimbulah: Rita and Jim Carey identified the need for a pig exclusion fence to protect their irrigation and reduce water costs. Although this became a self-funded project, it shows how important resilience planning is for dealing with specific farm challenges.
Mackays Group, Lakeland: Mackays Group used the Program to successfully apply for a QRIDA Drought Preparedness Grant. This helped them build a pipeline extension that significantly improved water security, allowing them to irrigate more land and maintain operations during drought.
The FBRP team is ready to continue working with growers across the state to access practical advice and tools that fit their needs, and financial support to build more resilient farms that are equipped to handle the uncertainties and challenges of the horticulture industry.
Start a conversation with one of our Farm Business Resilience Facilitators to find out how to build a more resilient future for your agribusiness today: www.growcom.com.au/fbrp
