Connecting with industry By Dr Olive Hood, Regional Extension Manager for Northern Australia, Hort Innovation
As one of Hort Innovation’s Regional Extension Managers, I’ve been busy over the last couple of months connecting with growers, researchers and others involved in the horticulture industry. I’d like to share a couple of highlights from some of these recent visits and efforts made to deliver impactful investments for the horticulture sector.
New papaya project In August, I attended the launch of the new papaya extension and communication project – a three-year investment being delivered by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. This investment is tasked with supporting Australian papaya growers in adopting improved practices on-farm and keeping up-to-date with the latest industry news, information, resources and technologies.
The program will improve knowledge, awareness, skills and aspirations of papaya growers and other supply chain stakeholders to increase the profitability and sustainability of the Australian papaya industry. The project team is working collaboratively with the papaya industry, relevant stakeholders and value chain members to co-design and implement a program that focuses on (1) Agronomic practices which improve input efficiencies, (2) Integrated pest and disease management (particularly Papaya meleria virus and Phytophthora) and (3) Improved post-harvest value chain management practices.
Mango Roadshows In October, I attended and presented at the Mareeba and Ayr 2021 Mango Roadshows hosted by the Australian Mango Industry Association as part
of their best practice management investment. The focus of my presentation was the Hort Frontiers Strategic Partnership Initiative, which facilitates collaborative cross-industry investments that are focused on longer-term, complex and traditionally underinvested themes identified as critical for the industry’s future. The presentation was geared towards the mango industry’s interests and initiatives in carbon accounting and ag-tech. Great discussion with attendees followed indicating the industry’s appetite for innovation. I’m always happy to have a chat, so if you have any questions – please don’t hesitate to get in touch at olive.hood@horticulture.com.au.
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Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 13
