Redland-based organisation Flower Association of Queensland has been given a grant of $45,123.52 to keep local flower farms operating.
Assistant Minister Keith Pitt, who is responsible for natural resource management and the Landcare program, handed over the money to Wellington Point's Shane Holborn.
Mr Pitt was on a whistlestop visit to Redlands in the lead up to the July 2 federal election. Mr Holborn heads up the Flower Association of Queensland, based in Delancey Street, Cleveland.
"A land care grant will help keep our flower farms resilient, competitive and productive,” Mr Holborn said. “It will fund workshops for flower and foliage farmers on topics like draining planning and water efficiency."
The money was awarded under the National Landcare Program – Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015-16. Across the country, 103 grants were awarded from a field of 640 eligible applications. The grants were to promote soil health, animal welfare, rural skills and central Queensland water. Mr Pitt said they were designed to safeguard the overall resilience, competitiveness and productivity of Australia’s agricultural and fishing industries.
“This will ensure greater profitability at the farm gate, while maintaining and or enhancing the natural resource base,” he said.
Bowman federal MP Andrew Laming said the grants were ideally placed to support keeping our flower farming local.
"I want to ensure Redland farms are here for our kids," Mr Laming said, “Because only by staying profitable will they survive.”