Rural
15 December, 2023
Growers unite to show why it’s time to give a fork
Now is the time for the public to stand up and say, “we give a fork” about our growers, according to the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG) Association, Queensland’s state industry body for fruit, vegetables, and nuts.
Last month QFVG launched their national campaign to encourage open conversations around the pressing issues facing the sector.
The ‘We Give A Fork’ campaign will run throughout 2024 and draw on real stories of individual growers and provide achievable actions, with the public encouraged to show they appreciate and support the local horticultural industry.
QFVG chief executive officer Rachel Chambers said now is the time for people to demonstrate that they truly care about the future of fresh fruit, vegetable and nuts being grown in Australia.
“The challenges falling on our growers’ shoulders have never felt heavier,” Ms Chambers said.
“Over the past 100 years, Australian growers have faced numerous floods, droughts, cyclones, hailstorms, and a pandemic.
“Yet right now things have never looked more challenging for their industry with the ongoing and cumulative impact of three years of rapidly rising input costs combined with what can only be described as an onslaught of poor policy making.”
Queensland-based agronomist Shane Fitzgerald said many in the industry were at breaking point.
To learn more about the campaign, visit wegiveafork.com.au.
