- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a new program to provide specialised support to fruit and vegetable growers across regional Queensland.
- Four mobile regional officers will be established through the Connecting Regional Opportunities and Programs as part of $2.5 million investment to deliver tailored support based on growers’ need.
- Part of the Crisafulli Government’s Prosper 2050 plan to boost primary industries production output to $30 billion by 2030.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy by investing in regional growers, after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy by establishing a new program to support Queensland horticulture growers.
Over the next three years, $2.5 million will be invested into the Connecting Regional Opportunities and Programs, that will fund four regionally based officers to provide tailored advice and practical support to help growers improve productivity, build capability and strengthen business resilience.
It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is striving to reach its ambitious target to increase the value of primary production output to $30 billion by 2030, after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The new programs will be delivered in partnership with Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers and regional grower groups to provide a statewide service which will connect growers with existing government, industry and non-government programs and initiatives.
The four mobile officers will be embedded in Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers, FNQ Growers, North Queensland Farmers and Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers and provide expertise in:
- technology uptake, innovation and productivity,
- workforce, skills and capability
- sustainability, biosecurity and resilience, and
- markets value chains and business growth.
During Labor’s decade of decline, Queensland’s primary industries were left to wither on the vine with a lack of support and onerous red and green tape, but in contrast, the Crisafulli Government is listening to growers and partnering with industry to provide support and services that will increase prosperity.
Queensland’s horticulture sector is a powerhouse of the State’s agricultural industry, with an estimated gross value of production of around $4.93 billion in 2025-26, underpinning local jobs and driving our export market.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the program builds on the successful collaboration between government and industry to ensure workforce capabilities meet the needs of the sector.
“Queensland growers have told us they want better access to support, information and industry networks and this program will deliver exactly that, with the regional officers working directly with fruit and vegetable farmers to connect them with the resources they need to build their business,” Minister Perrett said.
“I have said time and time again, Queensland’s farmers deserve a government that backs them, and this program will provide growers with better access to the support they need to improve productivity, strengthen resilience and unlock new opportunities.
“This investment will help support growers and producers to continue driving jobs, economic growth and food production across Queensland.
“Our government is focused on equipping the horticultural industry with the skills they need for the future as we work towards our goal of growing our primary industry output to $30 billion by 2030.”
Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers CEO Scott Kompo-Harms said the new program would help growers navigate available support and turn opportunities into tangible business outcomes.
“Queensland growers are not short of programs, services or potential solutions, but finding the right support and turning it into practical action can be difficult,” Mr Kompo-Harms said.
“Connecting Regional Opportunities and Programs will provide a clear, coordinated pathway that connects growers with the specialist expertise and opportunities they need to strengthen productivity, resilience and long-term business performance.”
President of Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Far North Queensland Growers, Joe Moro said the initiative would ensure growers across the state could access practical, regionally relevant support.
“Connecting Regional Opportunities and Programs combines statewide coordination with place-based delivery, ensuring growers can access consistent specialist support that remains grounded in the practical needs of their region,” Mr Moro said.
“This approach will strengthen collaboration across Queensland horticulture while helping growers turn available programs and opportunities into meaningful action.”
CEO of North Queensland Farmers, Jenn Honnery said the Queensland Government’s support for CROP Concierge Queensland would help address some of the ongoing challenges facing horticultural businesses across the state, including those in North Queensland.
“In regions like Bowen and the Burdekin, growers rely on skilled employees year-round, alongside access to a large seasonal workforce during critical harvest periods. Attracting and retaining the right people remains a significant challenge, and we’re pleased to be part of an initiative that recognises the importance of practical, industry-led support,” Ms Honnery said.
“By combining the local knowledge of regional grower groups with specialist expertise shared across Queensland, Connecting Regional Opportunities and Programs will help growers access the right advice, training and workforce programs to build stronger, more productive and resilient businesses.”
BFVG CEO Bree Watson said the Wide Bay Burnett region is one of Queensland’s most significant horticultural production areas, with a farm-gate value approaching $1 billion annually.
“Our region continues to grow and diversify, with exciting opportunities emerging in value-adding, new markets and business expansion,” Ms Watson said.
“Which is why BFVG is pleased to be delivering the Markets, Value Chains and Business Growth specialty, helping growers capitalise on these opportunities while sharing our regional expertise to support horticultural businesses more broadly across Queensland.”
