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Glasshouse Industry Grows With Help of FarmBis
South Australian Vietnamese Horticulture producers are developing a dynamic and prosperous glasshouse industry with the help of the Virginia Horticulture Centre and training funded under Agriculture - Advancing Australia ‘s FarmBis Program.
Virginia Horticulture Centre’s Tony Burfield has been working closely with these producers and is amazed by their drive to build a better industry.
“The situation was not always bright, as these producers faced a range of challenges, including the difficult nature of producing fresh horticultural produce, competing in a limited and isolated market and being price takers in this market.”
While the growers had already accessed FarmBis funded training to improve their production skills, such as the Integrated Pest Management and Greenhouse Management programs, they recognised their industry had a holistic problem that required more than a band-aid fix. They were able to identify the bigger picture problems and work together to create solutions.
One such problem was the inability to provide a consistent supply to a customer once a market was established. To rectify this, the growers sought training opportunities to learn higher order skills, such as marketing, business, production and market planning, records’ management and cost flow budgeting.
Applying these skills to their businesses have helped these growers create increased market ownership and security.
“Producers need to carefully manage market growth while running their businesses. Having a clear business and personal strategy really helps.”
“The more that growers put into training, the more they get out of it,” Tony said.
“The training itself reflects the needs of the farmers and helps them take the guess work out of farming.”
“I really enjoy working with these growers because we learn a lot from each other. However, the trajectory of learning is not predictable, so flexibility and an open mind are needed. You cannot drive training like a wagon train!”
There are other benefits for the group. By training, they gain further confidence, meet other like-minded growers and are able to talk about what does and doesn’t work.
“If all this happens it will work!”
FarmBis Contacts
The program provides financial assistance to primary producers and rural land managers to undertake business and natural resource management education and training activities. Note: Eligible activities may differ between participating States and the Northern Territory.
Email: Farmbis
Website - www.farmbis.gov.au
Phone - Freecall 1800 686 175