Outlook
Historic summit kicks off fresh strategy The future of Queensland’s fresh produce sector and supply chain was the focus of a summit held at Brisbane Markets in October. The historic Future Fields Summit brought together, both inperson and virtually, 120 industry experts and opinion leaders to help chart a course for the Queensland fresh produce sector and supply chain over the coming decade.
In her address to the Summit, Growcom’s Chair, Belinda Frentz, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to the industry through Future Fields.
The event was held to kick start the development of a new industry strategic plan, called Future Fields, which is being driven by Growcom with support and funding from the Queensland Government. According to Growcom’s Manager - Policy and Advocacy, Richard Shannon, the summit was a resounding success, with a wide array of stakeholders and interest groups represented. “The Queensland Government is working collaboratively with the fresh produce sector to develop a shared vision for the future of the industry and supply chain for the next decade, and to agree on a strategy and program of work to turn that vision into reality,” Mr Shannon said. Growers, supply chain partners and other stakeholders around the state will have their chance to influence the direction of Future Fields through an online survey and a series of regional workshops.
Brisbane Markets Limited Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Young, speaking at the Future Fields Summit.
Workshops were held in Bundaberg, Munduberra, Emerald, Bowen, South Johnstone and Mareeba in November with further workshops in the Lockyer Valley, Granite Belt and the Sunshine Coast planned for early in 2022. “Whether you can make it to a workshop or not, we’re also seeking responses to a survey. We want to know what your vision is for the future of the industry and supply chain, and how we should measure our success,” Mr Shannon said. “We’re also keen to understand what one assumption or belief that underpins the current fresh produce supply chain that you think will be most challenged or undermined over the next 10 years.”
Setting the scene: Growcom Manager - Policy and Advocacy, Richard Shannon, discusses the development of Future Fields – the fresh produce sectors’ shared vision for the future.
Get involved Everyone in Queensland’s fresh produce supply chain is being encouraged to complete a short, four-question survey to provide input into the future of the industry. Click or scan the QR code for further information and to complete the survey.
Attendees at Future Fields workshopped the challenges and opportunities for the fresh produce sector over the next decade. 28 FRESH SOURCE
Summer 2021
