Growcom CEO bids farewell

WELL, three years sure went quickly!

It has been a pleasure working with the great team at Growcom, fighting the good fight on behalf of our growers across a range of important policy areas and providing important services across Queensland. I thank the Growcom Board for their support and their ongoing commitment to the long-term growth and profitability of horticulture farms. I urge you all to continue to support Growcom to permit this important work to continue.

I have been lucky enough to meet many industry stakeholders and learn directly from growers about the produce they grow, the challenges they face, the ingenuity and innovation they repeatedly demonstrate, and the stoic way they front the many challenges that arise.

I have watched growers adjust to the vagaries of the market and the pressures of rising costs and competition. They are up for the many challenges that lie ahead and have a lot to teach others, which reminds me of a lesson I received from a farmer 20-odd years ago.

As a young “know-it-all” working in the field of venture capital I was trying to explain to a farmer, who was Chairman of our Board, the complexities of this concept. He leaned over, straightened my tie and said, “Don’t talk to me about venture capital son – I am a farmer!” It’s a lesson I have never forgotten!

Every year our growers take an educated punt on markets, prices, weather, labour and a range of other costs that will ultimately affect their livelihoods.

Risk is a constant companion which shows the true courage of individuals that fight for the greater success of Queensland.

The future is bright for production horticulture as a wonderful and dynamic industry. We have more work to do in bridging the gap to export markets for more of our growers and we need to widen our offerings through value-adding and processing. If we work together, we can capitalise on the synergies and benefits that come from a unified industry. For me, a wonderful ride has come to an end.

To all of you, I wish the very best for the future.

PHOTO: ALI KUCHEL OUTGOING: Growcom CEO Pat Hannan , centre, valued being out in the field and connecting with Queensland growers like Lockyer Valley lettuce growers Anthony Staatz and Diane Staatz.