Horticulture best management practice program expanded in SEQ

A program that has reduced sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff from horticultural land into waterways is being expanded to more farms in south-east Queensland (SEQ).

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Government would spend $850,000 over two years to drive change in the Lockyer, Bremer and Pumicestone catchments.

“Growcom’s Horticultural BMP (Hort360) digital risk assessment solution encourages farmers to optimize the design of their farms to reduce runoff and their use of chemicals,” Ms Enoch said.

“This includes soil mapping and farm contour erosion mapping to minimise valuable agricultural soil loss to waterways during rain events.

“This will have a positive impact on the health and resilience of SEQ’s local waterways, in addition to improving productivity, profitability and sustainability for farms in the region.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) and Growcom are working closely with SEQ fruit and vegetable growers to help preserve Moreton Bay and protected Ramsar wetlands.

Pineapple growers in Pumicestone Passage are using Hort360’s online tools with specific aims to reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff into the passage and wetlands.

Ms Enoch said Hort360 successfully targeted major horticultural production areas in the Pumicestone Passage, Bremer catchment and the Lockyer Valley.

“In SEQ, 30 per cent of horticultural areas are now covered by the Hort360 program,” she said.

“In Pumicestone Passage catchment, more than 45 per cent of the growers have committed to the program.

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the pesticide and herbicide modules developed under the new program “would help ensure there are no excess toxicant chemicals reaching our waterways”.

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said, “Hort360 makes it easier for farms and horticultural businesses to do their part in protecting our waterways, so it’s great to hear more SEQ operators are benefitting from the program.”

Growcom Board Director Chairman Les Williams said Hort360 is changing how growers viewed their farms.

“Whether it be soil, water or nutrient management, I encourage all horticultural growers to get on board with Hort360,” Mr Williams said.

“It is a complete package; a 360 degree view of your farm.”

The Queensland Government has invested a total of $2.5 million in the Hort360 program, and will continue to educate growers through the delivery of field days, workshops and technical information sessions.

ENDS
MEDIA: Ben Doyle 0437 859 987