Published Wednesday, 02 May, 2007 at 01:57 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
HOMEGROWN IS BEST AT THE TABLE
In the face of increasing overseas competition Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin is stressing the message to consumers that “Queensland fresh is best”.
“And when it comes to pineapples, that is certainly the case,’’ Mr Mulherin said yesterday.
“Primary Industries Week is all about Queensland innovation, Queensland technology and most of all Queensland produce.’’
“With Queensland produce we can compete with the very best in the world.’’
The Minister yesterday tucked into some sweet and juicy, locally-grown pineapples, that clearly dispel the myth that all Queensland pineapples are destined for processing.
“I’d certainly recommend Queensland-grown pineapples to consumers,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Brands such Bethonga Gold, Golden Circle Premium Gold and Mareeba Gold are lower in acidity than most varieties and have a true, sweet pineapple taste.
“Growers such as Mark Boyd, Gavin Robinson and Gavin Scurr are producing pineapples specifically bred and grown for the fresh market.
“Pineapples are native to Brazil and were introduced to Queensland around 100 years ago.
“What growers such as Mark, Gavin and Gavin are doing now is basically re-inventing the pineapple into a classic Queensland product.’’
Peak horticultural body Growcom and the Department of Primary Industries have been key players in promotion of and research into the pineapple industry.
“These are young, innovative businessmen meeting the challenge of imports head on,’’ Mr Panitz said.
“Pineapples are worth some $35 million at the farm gate and estimated to be valued at $100 million-plus to Queensland’s economy and fresh fruit suitable for the table is becoming an increasing contributor.’’
Pineapples are grown in Queensland from Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast, Yeppoon in central Queensland to the Atherton Tableland and Rollingstone, north of Townsville.
Pineapples are just one of the sub-tropical fruits and nuts under the microscope at the Maroochy Research Station on the Sunshine Coast's hinterland.
Media: 3239 6530
(Photo available on request, ph 32393000)
CAPTION: Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin (right) enjoys eating a sweet and fresh Queensland–grown pineapple with (from left) Growcom chief advocate Mark Panitz, Tropical Pines general manager Mark Boyd and Bethonga Wholefoods managing director Gavin Robinson.
“And when it comes to pineapples, that is certainly the case,’’ Mr Mulherin said yesterday.
“Primary Industries Week is all about Queensland innovation, Queensland technology and most of all Queensland produce.’’
“With Queensland produce we can compete with the very best in the world.’’
The Minister yesterday tucked into some sweet and juicy, locally-grown pineapples, that clearly dispel the myth that all Queensland pineapples are destined for processing.
“I’d certainly recommend Queensland-grown pineapples to consumers,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Brands such Bethonga Gold, Golden Circle Premium Gold and Mareeba Gold are lower in acidity than most varieties and have a true, sweet pineapple taste.
“Growers such as Mark Boyd, Gavin Robinson and Gavin Scurr are producing pineapples specifically bred and grown for the fresh market.
“Pineapples are native to Brazil and were introduced to Queensland around 100 years ago.
“What growers such as Mark, Gavin and Gavin are doing now is basically re-inventing the pineapple into a classic Queensland product.’’
Peak horticultural body Growcom and the Department of Primary Industries have been key players in promotion of and research into the pineapple industry.
“These are young, innovative businessmen meeting the challenge of imports head on,’’ Mr Panitz said.
“Pineapples are worth some $35 million at the farm gate and estimated to be valued at $100 million-plus to Queensland’s economy and fresh fruit suitable for the table is becoming an increasing contributor.’’
Pineapples are grown in Queensland from Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast, Yeppoon in central Queensland to the Atherton Tableland and Rollingstone, north of Townsville.
Pineapples are just one of the sub-tropical fruits and nuts under the microscope at the Maroochy Research Station on the Sunshine Coast's hinterland.
Media: 3239 6530
(Photo available on request, ph 32393000)
CAPTION: Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin (right) enjoys eating a sweet and fresh Queensland–grown pineapple with (from left) Growcom chief advocate Mark Panitz, Tropical Pines general manager Mark Boyd and Bethonga Wholefoods managing director Gavin Robinson.