About the FAQI Farm Management System initiative:
FAQI recognises that in today's business climate there is an ongoing requirement to keep improving the profitability and sustainability of grower enterprises across the cut flower and foliage sectors (inground and hydroponic). FAQI has committed to the development of a Farm Management System initiative to give growers the tools they need to manage risks on-farm and improve their business.
Farm Management Systems for Cut Flowers
This project aims to develop a voluntary Farm Management System (FMS) that involves a structured, step-by-step approach that can be used by producers to achieve more sustainable and profitable farming practices. These systems also demonstrate to the public and consumers that farming involves good stewardship of land and water. The Farm Management System is also useful for farming industries to show evidence of their ability to manage natural resources responsibly. The way in which farms are managed affects the environment, and it is the health of the environment as a whole that determines the farm’s productivity and efficiency.
Most farms already have a Farm Management Systems in place – planning, assessing and improving practices on farm. The tools provided to flower growers from this project can be used by producers who don’t have their own system in place or who would like additional aids to help them prepare farm plans, keep records and meet legal requirements. The FMS tool will collate all relevant farm management information in the one place including; flower production (in-ground and hydroponic), work health & safety, soil management, pest weeds & diseases, business planning, irrigation and chemicals on farm.
Purpose of Cut Flowers Farm Management System
- To help growers determine the practices required for an approved Farm Management System (FMS).
- To identify the common elements that should be included in industry FMS programs.
- Provide a foundation for recognition of industry FMS programs in government and other stakeholder policies, programs and legislation.
It is a reference document to improve sustainable farm management and provide information, references and contacts for growers.
Who can benefit from the guide?
Growers who supply cut flowers to florists, wholesalers or the public. The benefits of implementing FMS are both at industry and enterprise level. These benefits can include;
- Helping producers keep records, plan and review their enterprises.
- Assisting in farm management and where necessary monitoring areas of risk and areas that can improve profitability, productivity and sustainability.
- Help to secure the use of natural resources for the cut flower industry by demonstrating sound environmental stewardship.
- Reduces the need for restrictive legislative approaches applying to farm management.
- Improves community confidence in cut flower farming.
- Minimises conflict between farming and neighbouring urban areas.
- Manages change and industry capacity to cope with on-farm reforms.
The Farm Management System for Cut Flowers is funded by the Flower Association of Queensland Inc, Horticulture Australia Ltd and Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (Blueprint for the Bush program) and will run for three years. The FMS tools developed will be used past the life of the project in conjunction with accreditation systems which will continue to be delivered and enhanced by FAQI post the initial 3 years.
Claire Ellis is currently reviewing and developing Farm Management System Tools for the Cut Flower industry in consultation with the FAQI and growers. When these tools have been trialed and refined she will deliver them to Cut Flower producers throughout South East Queensland.
For further information please contact Claire;
Ph: (07) 38249552
Mob: 0432002417
E-mail: Claire.Ellis@dpi.qld.gov.au
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