Gippsland vegetable growers to benefit from VegNET program boost

New program aims to ensure all growers in every region have the opportunity to benefit advice and support to help grow a sustainable crop and profitable business.

Vegetable growers in Gippsland are set to benefit from the next generation of a national extension program aimed to boost productivity and deliver the latest research and development on-farm.

The new $14.1 million VegNET 3.0 program is being delivered through Hort Innovation using vegetable industry levies and funds from the Australian Government, and led by Australia’s peak vegetable industry body AUSVEG.

On-the-ground extension in the Gippsland will be undertaken by Food & Fibre Gippsland, which employs dedicated regional development officers with strong grower networks in vegetable producing regions.

The nominated regional development officer for Gippsland is Bonnie Dawson.

Born and bred in Gippsland, Bonnie has been in this role for the past two years, while simultaneously completing post-graduate studies in Agricultural Sciences. She brings to the role extensive engagement skills and is looking forward to building on the relationships developed over the past two years to deliver on the focus areas identified by the industry in the Regional Extension Strategy to benefit the industry and the wider region.

“Working with growers to help them solve challenging issues in the field, in the shed or in the business is a key focus for VegNET,” Food & Fibre Gippsland CEO Nicola Pero said.

“The close ties with our grower network and the experience we have developed in extension will support the continuation in delivering good value to growers. We welcome the opportunity to continue working on VegNET with AUSVEG and Hort Innovation to help vegetable businesses in our region improve the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of their businesses.”

According to AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote, a nationally-coordinated model for the new VegNET program will work hand-in-glove with regional organisations to produce the right mix of consistency and regionality to ensure all growers in every region have the opportunity to benefit advice and support to help grow a sustainable crop and profitable business.

“VegNET is an important program for our industry. Vegetable growers in Gippsland are world-leaders in the production of high-quality, healthy vegetables and are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and grow more sustainably and develop their businesses,” Mr Coote said.

Hort Innovation chief executive officer Matt Brand said the VegNET initiative complements Hort Innovation’s dedicated extension arm which was created in 2019. He said it also builds on the foundation and momentum generated through previous VegNET programs.

“This supercharged five-year extension initiative takes a collaborative, local focus, with Gippsland receiving tailored support that meets local challenges,” he said.

“VegNET arms growers with the latest evidence-based tools and information in vital areas such as biosecurity, pest and disease management, soil and water management, the supply chain and protected cropping.”

Bonnie is one of 10 regional development officers who will work as part of the VegNET network to deliver this program.

“While growers are facing significant issues with labour shortages, rising input costs and an increasingly volatile climate, the industry is well-placed to overcome these challenges and take advantage of the research and services on offer in Australia to improve its productivity and increase its value to help the agriculture sector meet its goal of $100 billion by 2030,” Mr Coote said.

“A strong extension network that connects growers with local, regional and international experts will be an important element to the industry’s future success.”