The rapidly expanding blueberry industry has become a major source of employment and economic growth in the Coffs Coast region, but the speed of that growth has created concern due to its impact on water quality, soil health and adjoining land use.
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On Friday, more than 80 blueberry growers from across the northern coastal area participated in a workshop in Coffs Harbour about maximising farm efficiency and good practices, lessening operational impacts and improving relationships with their neighbours.
Facilitated by the Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association and the NSW Department of Primary Industry, the workshop was an opportunity for growers to learn how to bring farm management and operational procedures into line with the new ABGA Code of Conduct.
“Horticulture is a tough industry and our farmers work hard to maintain the health and growth of their crop each season” says ABGA Executive Director Alex Smith. “Their focus is on fighting the elements and pests that threaten their livelihood and sometimes they overlook what’s happening outside their day to day operation.”
“The ABGA Code of Conduct was launched in May 2018 to promote good industry practice, with emphasis on sustainable farming, responsible and safe application of chemicals, ethical sourcing of labour and provision of a safe working environment” says Alex Smith.
The growers’ workshop in Coffs Harbour aimed to help them understand and deal with issues such as native vegetation rules, plant variety rights, fair farms, environmental management, chemical usage, optimum fertiliser application, runoff reduction, site development, working with neighbours, aboriginal cultural heritage, water and waste management and biosecurity.
As well as discussion and an opportunity to ask questions, growers were given practical tools such as guides and checklists to implement and monitor new practices to take away with them, as well as a range of direct contacts to call for advice on specific issues and situations.
“We’ve seen the issues and problems that can arise with expansion of horticulture and agriculture in various regions across Australia. It’s important our growers adopt good practices, minimise their environmental impact and collaborate with their neighbours, to ensure benefit across the communities in which they operate,” said ABGA’s Alex Smith.
Janene Carey
Janene Carey is the senior journalist for the Bellingen Shire Courier-Sun
Janene Carey is the senior journalist for the Bellingen Shire Courier-Sun
