QUEENSLAND horticulture representative group Growcom remains in the black despite an operating loss of $191,383 for the 2012/2013 financial year.
The figures were reported at Growcom’s annual general meeting held in Brisbane today.
Growcom declared a total comprehensive income for the 2012/2013 year of $82,246.
The significant disruption to Queensland’s horticulture industry from the 2013 Australia Day floods and ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald, along with the loss of some government contracted projects were reasons given for the impact on the organisation’s finances.
But outgoing Growcom chairman John Bishop said the decision to use staff resources to assess weather-related damage as soon as possible after it occurred was supported by the board.
“The Growcom response to ex-sub-Tropical Cyclone Oswald was characterised by speed and efficiency in gathering appropriate data to support the case for the highest levels of government funded disaster assistance for our growers,” Mr Bishop said.
“It is difficult to ask staff to contact people who are in the in the midst of a major personal crisis and Growcom employees responded with great skill and empathy.
“It is also difficult for growers in the middle of such a disaster to provide information and we thank all those producers for their understanding at such a time.
“We were able to provide accurate data to government within three days of the crisis – the first industry organisation to do so.
“Queensland horticulture growers were able to access Category C and D disaster relief within weeks of the crisis.
The AGM marked the last duties of Mr Bishop and director John Brent who have served their full terms under the constitution.
The meeting also welcomed new board members: Mundubbera fruit grower Susan Allan; Lockyer Valley vegetable grower Matthew Hood; Gin Gin mango and dragon fruit grower Colin Jeacocke; Tropical Pines managing director Derek Lightfoot; agribusiness consultant and Austinville blueberry grower Jonathan Shaw; and Wamuran pineapple grower Les Williams.
A project of significant investment for Growcom was the Infopest program, an online database of agriculture pests and management strategies.
While initially produced with a subscription basis, Infopest was launched free online earlier this year to the wider agricultural community.
“A team of staff ensures the database continues to be the most up-to-date and comprehensive place for industry to search for registered agricultural and veterinary chemicals to treat pest and disease problems,” Mr Bishop said.
Chief executive officer Alex Livingstone said Growcom continued the delivery of both the Reef Rescue and Rural Water Use Efficiency projects.
“These projects have provided substantial benefits to industry and training and access to new methods and technologies,” he said.
“Growcom was instrumental in developing these projects in horticulture and convincing government of their value.
“Training has also been a major focus of the company’s efforts during the year. We have been tasked by the State Government with developing and implementing a Workforce Development Plan for the industry.
“Regional Workforce Development Officers have now been appointed across several regions to enable the project to proceed.
“Growcom also continues to administer the Minor Use Permits project on behalf of Horticulture Australia Limited, funded by the Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.
“The project ensures that industry will continue to have access to the necessary chemistry for crop protection under the Minor Use guidelines.”
