A team of Agriculture Coordination Officers will support producers, the agriculture industry and local governments to manage COVID-19 thanks to the Queensland Government.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said regional economic development, extension, research and biosecurity staff were available as Agriculture Coordination Officers to ensure rapid assistance during these unprecedented times.
“Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff have always worked closely with producers and industry and, in these extraordinary times, we will build on these existing relationships to provide coordinated, timely support,” Mr Furner said.
“There are approximately 100 Agriculture Coordination Officers across the state available to help agribusinesses deal with the complexities of COVID-19 as required.
“This support includes assisting producers and industry to access relevant information quickly without having to navigate a myriad of websites and in some cases with limited or no connectivity.”
Mr Furner said staff will proactively check-in with stakeholders to see how they are going and to ensure they have the information they need to manage their situation.
“Agriculture Coordination Officers with suitable regional and technical knowledge will also respond to enquiries from local governments through their District and Local Disaster Management Group meetings,” he said.
“We will continue to support our producers, local governments and industry groups such as AgForce, Queensland Farmer’s Federation, Growcom and Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation so our agriculture supply chains can continue to deliver for Queensland communities.
“The Queensland Government acknowledges that agricultural, fisheries and forestry businesses are essential and will continue to be supported as we work together throughout this COVID-19 incident.
“The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will continue to provide support, information and assistance to commercial, recreational and charter fishers, aquaculture, forestry and quarrying businesses and permittees.”
