2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA), with major developments in the pipeline and some important changes already underway.
While we’re excited for what’s to come, we’re also conscious of the ongoing challenges growers are facing – particularly rising cost pressures and longer-term impacts from the protracted wet season.
The BGGA management committee has reviewed our 2025 membership fees, in light of these pressures.
To ease the burden, and ensure every grower can stay connected to the industry support and opportunities BGGA offers, the committee has decided to reduce all membership fees to a low, flat rate.
This year will also mark a formal transition for BGGA, moving from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee, along with a refreshed brand that reflects our evolving role in the industry.
We see this as a great opportunity to re-evaluate our role and ensure a BGGA membership is an easy decision for our industry.
In exciting project news, we’ve received the draft business case for the Bowen Food Futures Precinct – a key step toward a local pilot processing facility to turn third grade or reject produce into value-add products.
Our team is hard at work determining the next steps, including industry consultation.
On the biosecurity front, BGGA remains active in national discussions on Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus.
Industry surveillance in Queensland tomato regions will soon commence, aimed at supporting negotiations with New Zealand to re-open trade.
Re-establishing tomato export pathways with New Zealand will play a role in reducing domestic market pressures and continue to secure the longer-term viability of agri-businesses.
Finally, nominations are now open for the North Queensland Agriculture Excellence Awards – a great chance to recognise outstanding contributions across the region.
We encourage all members to get involved!
More information and nomination forms can be found on the BGGA website: www.bgga.com.au.
Contributed by BGGA CEO Jenn Honnery.
