9 Oct 2023
- QFF are pleased to announce the expansion of our free on-farm energy saving program EnergySQ to the Toowoomba and Western Downs regional council areas. EnergySQ will continue to be available in the Goondiwindi and Southern Downs regional council areas in addition to the new regions. Read more here.
- QFF member Cotton Australia has lodged a submission to the Senate Standing Committees on the Environment and Communications regarding the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023. Read it here. QFF have provided a supporting submission here, addressing issues that impact irrigators in the Murray‐Darling Basin area.
- Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for the AgTech and Logistics Hub’s latest OpenGround innovation initiative aimed at discovering innovations that support the future of sustainable agriculture through plant health. Applications close this Friday, 13 October. Learn more here.
- The Queensland Government has announced rebates for businesses of up to 50% of the cost of installing new energy efficient equipment. Farms that have not received funding under previous energy savers programs may wish to use the rebate to implement audit findings through having an energy audit which is not a requirement for the funding. Read more here.
- The Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer (IRRO) program supports primary producers recovering from the impacts of the 2021-2022 Queensland flooding and cyclone events. Hear from QFF’s IRROs Eloise Cosgrove and Julia Jurgs who have discussed their experience with delivering the program and supporting industry
- QFF member Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) have announced recipients for their ‘Grow your Field’ seed funding opportunity. The recipients’ projects align with the horticulture industry’s Future Fields strategy, and span AgTech, First Nations Food and compliance. Read more here.
- The National Farmers’ Federation have welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. QFF also welcome the announcement, with market fairness remaining a core advocacy issue for many of our members. Read more here.
- With El Niño declared, RCS Australia’s Founding Director Dr Terry McCosker OAM has written a blog article emphasizing the importance of producers/growers having a multi-pronged approach to drought management. Read it here. RCS is currently offering QFF members and their members 15% off their Online+ Business Fundamental Workshop and Online+ Cropping Workshop available here until 30/11/2023.
- QFF are conducting a survey to gather information that will help evaluate industry drivers, motivations, barriers, and willingness to participate in carbon/biodiversity income diversification schemes. Complete the survey here.
- Seven x$7,000 professional development bursaries are up for grabs for Australian women to bring their idea, cause, or vision to life as part of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant program. Applications close Wednesday, 25 October 2023. Read more here.
The post 10 Things to Know – 9 October 2023 appeared first on Queensland Farmers' Federation.