Applications have opened for the 2010 TQA Australia Global Insights Award. Now in its second year, the Award provides a travel grant of up to $10,000 to a primary producer who is committed to food safety, quality assurance and/or environmental assurance in their business and farming operations.
‘The grant provides an opportunity for exemplary farmers to travel overseas to meet other producers, customers and supply chain members. It is also a chance to explore new market opportunities,’ according to TQA Australia Managing Director Jane Lovell.
‘The Award is open to all Australian primary producers with a current certification to a third party audited food safety, quality assurance or environmental assurance scheme.’
Queensland strawberry grower Christina McPherson was the 2009 winner of the TQA Australia Global Insights Award, and used the grant to visit the European strawberry production hub of Huelva, Spain. Ms McPherson’s tour concluded with three days in the United Kingdom, following the path of Spanish strawberries into the supermarket.
‘Winning the Award allowed me to explore how the European producers tackle environmental issues, and how their environmental assurance schemes are providing them with a market edge,’ said Ms McPherson.
‘Programs such as WWF’s ‘One Europe, More Nature’ are working proof that business interests and food production can operate harmoniously with the needs of the natural environment.’
‘One of the lessons from my visit that I will take back to my strawberry business is to never underestimate the value of sustainable production. Short-term gains may not be realized, but longer term aspirations will be. Eventually, conscientious consumers will seek out and recognize responsible farmers.’
TQA Australia Global Insight Award application kits are available to download from the organisation’s website www.tqainc.com.au/award or by contacting the TQA Australia office on 1300 952 221. Applications close 30 August 2010.
