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‘Growing undercover’ with QRIDA

Queensland horticulture growers looking to strengthen productivity, improve resource efficiency, and build resilience may be able to access finance through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) to implement protective shelters for their fruit and vegetable crops. 

Protected cropping is an innovative way to help growers manage seasonal variability, reduce exposure to extreme weather, and create more controlled growing environments for high-value crops. 

QRIDA Regional Area Manager for the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Tegan McBride, has seen local producers reap the benefits of these investments.

“Protected cropping can include structures and systems such as greenhouses, shade houses, netting, hydroponic systems and other infrastructure designed to support more efficient and reliable production.

“These investments can help producers improve water use efficiency, reduce crop losses, extend growing seasons and respond to changing market and climate conditions,” Tegan said.

Bowen horticulture growers Luke and Jessica Volker are an example of producers who’ve benefited from such investments. By making the bold decision to ‘grow undercover,’ the Volker's have expanded their business, not only by acquiring more land through a First Start Loan but also by setting up two shade houses filled with healthy, chemical-free produce.

“We want to use the shade houses for the hotter part of the year where we might burn fruit. We’re hoping that will give us a longer period of growing without too much damage to our produce,” Jessica said.

This approach has allowed the couple to extend their growing season, giving them a competitive edge when summer temperatures rise and other growers are unable to produce.

QRIDA offers First Start Loans of up to $2 million and Sustainability Loans of up to $1.3 million to help growers establish new operations or boost the productivity and profitability of existing ones. With this financial support, producers can modernise their operations, adopt new technologies, and sustain their business viability.

A QRIDA First Start or Sustainability Loan may be suitable for investments such as: 

• protected cropping structures including greenhouses and shade houses
• irrigation and water efficiency improvements linked to protected cropping systems
• climate control, ventilation, and energy-efficient production systems
• infrastructure that supports improved crop protection and reduced production risk
• technology and equipment that improves sustainability outcomes and operational efficiency.

If you’re a horticulture grower interested in investing in protected cropping infrastructure, reach out to your local Regional Area Manager on 1800 623 946 to start the conversation.