Queensland, Australia
April 30, 2007
University of Queensland's Centre for Native Floriculture is
investigating new floral species as part of its work to provide
services to Queensland's native floriculture industries.
The Centre receives continued funding via the Department of
State Development and Industry (DSD&I) and the University.
It carries out a range of research and industry development work
to strengthen native floriculture industries and has a range of
industry projects currently underway, according to Centre
Director, Professor Daryl Joyce.
“Dr Margaret Johnston leads the Floriculture Program which
focuses on the development and commercial release of new
floriculture products,” Professor Joyce said.
“Dr Johnston and her associates identify and collect and trial
attractive plants which are found in the wild, selecting those
which offer the strongest attributes for plant improvement via
breeding.”
“The floral species currently under investigation may well have
application in regional Queensland to promote and encourage
outback tourism, as well as being immediately suitable as cut
flowers, flowering pot plants and/or water-use efficient garden
specimens.”
While helping realise direct commercial benefits from novel
native plant species, the Centre also hosts an Industry
Development Program. This program is working with communities in
rural and regional Queensland to help diversify and grow their
income bases and create employment opportunities through native
floriculture products.
According to Industry Development Program Leader Professor
Richard Williams, the project will work to identify a range of
opportunities to assist in establishing value-added plantation
and nursery businesses, as well as complementary activities such
as tourism.
“The project team will identify regions with potential for
developing commercial native floriculture production," he said.
"The team will work with landholders and community organisations
to establish the resources and infrastructure needed by
potential growers to enter the industry.
"The Centre will also provide training packages in production
and marketing, knowledge critical to the operation of a
successful floriculture business.”
Marg Cover is a key member of the Industry Development Program
who has been recently appointed as Industry Development Officer.
She has many years of experience in similar roles within the
grain industry and will work closely with growers and the
community to establish industry networks and coordinate
development of targeted training packages. |
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