By Melissa Coleman
Founded by local growers, the Granite Belt Growers Association supports local farmers by maximizing profitability and efficiency, contributing to industry viability, and promoting the region as a world-class fruit and vegetable producer.
The Granite Belt Growers Association was formed nearly six years ago for two stand-out reasons –social connection and advocacy.
GBGA Secretary Jessica Andreatta said the association does that in several ways.
“One of the ways we achieve this is through ‘Farming After Hours’,” Ms Andreatta said.
Farming After Hours is an integral part of the GBGA’s vision to secure a profitable future for horticulture farming within the Granite Belt.
“We come together and look for a point of difference in farming techniques and priorities.’
On a previous occasion, the growers looked at biodegradable mulch.
“Farmers put plastic on the ground over hills to plant tomatoes, capsicums and other vegetables, and that brings a significant water saving.”
“However, that’s not a good option for the environment, but there are some options that companies are producing at the moment, so we looked at the trials,” she said.
The Farmers After Hours get-togethers are held once a quarter, providing up-to-date advances and social connection.
Over the last few years, farmers have been doing it tough through drought, fire and flood, however, now the input costs have skyrocketed due to Covid-19, and there is pressure to keep the price of food down.
“Our vision for the future of farming is to be a supportive viable business and to feed the nation,” Ms Andreatta said.
“A happy workplace has well-supported staff, a money-making venture and a sustainable manner of doing business. If we can have these three things, then we can support each other.
“Our goal is to network with our members who are moving towards those goals through liaising with government, farmers and other industry bodies.
“Our members are an essential part of why we do what we do.
“We draw on diversity to set priorities to achieve our vision for a secure and profitable future through advocacy,” she said.
Ms Andreatta said they are very appreciative of their generous sponsors who have engaged Narissa Corfe to be employed as the Industry Support Officer.
“Narissa carries out work on behalf of the GRGA members freeing up time for the board to advocate and represent the Association.”
