By Sonia Isaacs
Queensland’s horticulture industry is set for a major sustainability shake-up, with Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Science and Innovation and Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, officially launching the South East Queensland Horticultural Best Management Practice (BMP) Incentive Program at Pineapple Farming Co, Beerwah, on Wednesday (July 24).
Joined by Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett, the pair unveiled the Crisafulli Government’s $2.8 million initiative aimed at helping local growers adopt sustainable farming practices to improve productivity, reduce chemical use and protect vital waterways.
“This is a smart investment in the future of Queensland’s agriculture and our environment,” Minister Powell said. “Horticulture is a cornerstone of the South East Queensland economy. This program gives our growers the tools they need to be environmental stewards while improving productivity and profitability.”
The program builds on a successful pilot in the Pumicestone Passage catchment and will expand to support at least 60 additional growers over the next four years. Landholders can access grants of up to $30,000 to implement proven on-farm improvements; from upgrading spray equipment and installing bioreactors to stabilising drains and constructing retention ponds to reduce erosion and runoff.
Minister Perrett encouraged growers to take full advantage of the scheme.
“With advances in agtech and research, we’re not only improving how we plant and harvest we’re also investing in environmental techniques that protect our land and water,” he said. “This is critical to achieving our goal of growing the value of Queensland’s primary production to $30 billion by 2030.”
Local pineapple grower Trudy Morgan, of Morgans Pines, welcomed the funding.
“As growers, we’ve seen firsthand how adopting best management practices can cut input costs and improve soil and crop health,” Ms Morgan said. “The Pumicestone Passage is right on our doorstep – we all share responsibility for its protection.”
The initiative aligns with other successful BMP programs in Great Barrier Reef catchments, reinforcing Queensland’s commitment to sustainable, high-performing agriculture.