Horticultural officer headed to Bundy
A HORTICULTURAL officer will be based in Bundaberg to help growers move their produce to market easier and faster, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett announced on Friday.
The officer is one or 15 across the start who will help farmers fight ticks, weeds and feral pests, in particular wild dogs.
Mr Bennett said the officer would also assist farmers in cutting red tape.
"We are determined to make agriculture one of the four pillars of our economy and have committed to doubling food production by 2040," Mr Bennett said.
"Whether it is researchers developing more disease-resistant produce which produce greater yields with less chemicals, or stock officers working to stop the spread of ticks, DAFF will be doing much more of this type of work".
"I'm under no illusions that this will be a difficult task, but it's a challenge that me and those in my government team are relishing to deliver."
Mr Bennett said the horticultural officer would be able to help facilitate real change in the industry.
"That's what producers need so they can get on with the job of producing more and using less, especially in terms of fertiliser, fuel and herbicide," he said.
