Research and development investment underpins continued growth of Queensland’s agricultural sector

The Palaszczuk Government continues investments into research and development to underpin the record growth in Queensland’s $19.95 billion agriculture sector

Acting Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Leeanne Enoch said the government invested over $120 million into research and development in 2016/17.

“The funds went directly to boosting business growth across the sector in close collaboration with industry priorities such as new varieties, crop protection and farming systems,” Ms Enoch said.

“Consumers are one of the big winners in the work of Queensland scientists – and in the past year alone we have delivered four new varieties of macadamia, low seed mandarins and strawberry varieties that can be on supermarket shelves all year long.

“Through the High Value Horticulture Value Chain project and in collaboration with the Australian Government, we are delivering export ready produce.

“This includes sweet corn, broccoli, blueberries and garlic in the Murray-Darling with maximum economic return for minimum use of water in irrigation areas.

“Not only is this adding millions to our rural economies, but the new production systems have led to the establishment of new businesses and employment opportunities in Queensland’s rural communities.

“Making the most of Queensland’s farming lands is a key element of sustainable and resilient production systems.

“The Queensland Government in partnership with industry, the Australian Government and natural resource management groups is working to deliver on-ground practice change, improved agribusiness profitability and the improved health of the Great Barrier Reef through best management practice programs.”

Ms Enoch said Queensland’s agriculture industries continued to be cutting-edge innovators, and the government was keen to support their efforts.

“The potential to use new technologies, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, to more accurately map disease and predict yields in vegetable crops, is just one of the many collaborative research projects underway integrating emerging technologies into existing production systems,” she said.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to keeping the growth trajectory of Queensland’s agricultural sector on track – releasing the 10 year

Agriculture and Food RD&E Roadmap Discussion Paper for public consultation in June 2017.

“This Discussion Paper focuses on identifying Queensland’s current agriculture and food RD&E strengths, preparing the agriculture and food sector for future challenges and capitalising on opportunities for the sector,” Ms Enoch said.