On The Land
25 September, 2024
Field Days success yields grant
THE success of the Rotary FNQ Field Days has yielded the event a $15,000 National Horticulture Roadshow grant from the National Farmers Federation.
Rotary FNQ Field Day has been successful through the National Horticulture Roadshow grant program.
Funded by the Federal Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and delivered by the NFF Horticulture Council, the roadshow funds and promotes exceptional industry events across the country, driving innovation and community engagement.
The Rotary FNQ Field Days, in partnership with FNQ Growers, now have another $15,000 to offer more at the event which takes place on 28-30 May 2025.
NFF Horticulture Council chair Jolyon Burnett congratulated this year’s successful recipients, noting the high level of interest and exceptional applications made the selection process particularly difficult.
“The high calibre of applications demonstrates the dedication and passion within our horticultural communities. We are thrilled to support these events that will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the industry,” Mr Burnett said.
“The total amount of funding sought across all applications was $1.8 million, more than triple the amount available for allocation, highlighting the significant demand and enthusiasm for this program.”
Rotary FNQ Field Day president Andrew McCosh said the event was aimed at showing local producers the latest in equipment and practices.
“The Rotary FNQ Field Day aims to encourage farmers to adopt innovation, sustainability, resilience, and competitive strategies to be more profitable,” he said.
“We have applied for funding through the roadshow to showcase advancements in horticultural practices and technology, for farmers to adopt.
“We are very proud to be the largest field day in North Australia which sees up to 16,000 people over the three days come to this event attracting leading thinkers and a great diversity of farmers.
“Being part of the roadshow is recognition of the hard work behind the scenes building this event up over the years and hopefully increasing to an even wider audience.”
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said the Far North was a dynamic and diverse growing region.
“It’s an ideal location to profile new innovations and practices that are applicable across the large range of commodities grown in FNQ which numbers over 100,” he said.
“We look forward to partnering with the Rotary FNQ Field Days and NFF Horticulture Council and building on other events we have held over the last 10 years to make it bigger with more information for our farmers in the region.”
