As a new financial year commences, the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) remains committed to helping Queensland primary producers enter the agriculture industry or enhance their current farm business through their concessional First Start and Sustainability Loans.

QRIDA Regional Area Manager for the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Tegan McBride encourages local horticulture growers to think about their farm business goals and start the conversation early about accessing QRIDA’s financial assistance.

“QRIDA’s concessional loans are crucial for helping aspiring horticulture growers onto land and enhancing productivity while promoting sustainable practices within the industry,” she said.

First Start Loans of up to $2 million are tailored for aspiring horticulture growers, offering financial assistance to help them establish their first farm or achieve financial viability in an existing horticulture business.

“The First Start Loan can be used for purchasing your first block of land, buying into the family farming business, carrying out the family succession plan and entering lease or share-farming arrangements,” Tegan said.

For existing horticulture growers looking to enhance their operations, a Sustainability Loan of up to $1.3 million aims to help growers adopt new and emerging technology, value-add to their business and implement precision agriculture into their business.

“From setting up vertical farms, installing technology for grading produce, purchasing enhanced packing systems or building on-farm rural worker’s accommodation this loan can help you fund those big projects that will create a sustainable future for your horticulture business,” Tegan said.

For Burdekin growers, Mt Alma Organics, they are attracting and retaining more rural workers at its growing organic fruit, vegetable, cane, and cattle operation with newly installed on-farm accommodation.

With housing and labour shortages making it difficult for owners Angela and Gary Spotswood to secure workers, the husband-and-wife horticulture growers used a Sustainability Loan from QRIDA to fund the on-farm rural worker accommodation.

“We currently have 18 seasonal workers from the Solomon Islands that live and work on the farm here and their main roles are picking zucchinis, chilies, and watermelons.

“It’s hard to find suitable housing close-by and the nearest town is 30 kilometres away.”

Mt Alma Organics’ new open-plan five-bedroom home has also helped boost team morale.

“It’s been so beneficial for the workers. They have their own rooms. They enjoy it,” Angela said.

“We think having the workers living on farm builds a better community spirit within our own business.”

With Tegan’s guidance, applicants can navigate the application process and maximise their opportunities.

“Whether you’re ready to access financial assistance now or are planning for the future, start the conversation with me today about how QRIDA’s First Start or Sustainability Loan could support your farm business goals,” Tegan said. For more information on QRIDA’s First Start and Sustainability Loans visit qrida.qld.gov.au or get in touch with Tegan on 0427 770 147 or email tegan.mcbride@qrida.qld.gov.au