Funding for organic poultry farm boosts local employment opportunities

An Inglewood organic poultry producer will enhance sustainable growth within the organic poultry industry by overcoming supply chain issues and creating up to eight regional jobs with a funding boost from the Palaszczuk Government.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Inglewood Organic was one of the 14 businesses in Queensland to receive Rural Economic Development (RED) Grant of up to $250,000 to fund the expansion of their business. 

“Inglewood Organic is a family owned business and Australia’s leading producer of organic, free-range poultry”, Mr Furner said.

“The severity of drought in Australia has led to a nation-wide shortage of Australian grain causing supply chain shortages and inflation on grain prices.

“Producers have felt the impact of these shortages and depend on grain for stockfeed parcels to feed livestock.

“As a result, businesses like Inglewood Organic have scaled back on production, limiting the growth and productivity of their business.

“To address these issues, Inglewood Organic plan on expanding their operations by establishing their own certified organic grain production.

“Inglewood Organic will utilise existing land by setting up centre pivot irrigation systems and exclusion fencing to ensure grain is available not just during hard times but all year round.

“We know the COVID-19 pandemic has made it tough for a lot of businesses and communities, so these additional jobs will be most welcome.”

The funding will help the development of broad-acre irrigated organic crops to boost their own supply of organic stockfeed for their poultry business.

The project is expected to generate eight jobs directly and five jobs indirectly during the project phase. These jobs will benefit the community and local economy, particularly as it recovers from one of Australia’s worst droughts on record.

Managing Director Katrina Hobbs said the project would increase production of 100,000 kg of chicken per year.

“A boost in production levels will also enable the company to roll out a range of new products targeted towards the largest growing segment of the organic market in Australia,” Ms Hobbs said.

“Inglewood Organics is the largest employer in the local community and the creation of further jobs and opportunities will continue to benefit the community and local economy.”

The Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants program offers emerging projects up to $250,000 in co-contributions to build industry and grow employment opportunities across the agricultural sector in Regional Queensland.

A total of 14 businesses have received $3.34 million under the second round of funding for the RED Grants program. Overall these 14 projects are expected to create more than 600 jobs across the agricultural sector in regional Queensland.

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administer the RED Grant scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

For more information about the RED Grant scheme visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Video grabs for download: https://www.dropbox.com/s/irxc9fflagwi7y4/200429%20FURNER%20TV%20GRABS%20INGLEWOOD%20ORGANIC.mp4?dl=0

Media contacts:

Minister Furner – Ron Goodman – 0427 781 920

QRIDA - Emma Clarke - 3032 0137