FARM PLUS - a WFA Project

with funding assistance from RIRDC

 One of the best ways to improve flower prices and grower profitability is to continually increase farm productivity and product quality.

The project involves growers Australia-wide applying prescription blends of soil amendments/fertilisers, mixed to suit their soil after testing. The blends incorporate the latest thinking and technology on sustainable farming.
 
Fusion farming uses evidence-based aspects of conventional and organic systems to boost productivity and increase returns while sustaining a long term improvement to soil and environment. The emphasis is on :
 
  •  balancing soil nutrients
  • increasing soil carbon levels
  •  feeding the soil and microbial populations, rather than short-term feeding the plants.
For 2 year program, the grower invests $2,900 to obtain the following benefits:
 
  • Prescription blend soil amendments for up to 1 ha of existing or new crops.
  • Soil & leaf testing at start and after 12 months, including mail costs 
  • Payment to contractor or grower for pre-determined labour cost to take samples, collecting and collating data. 
  • Payment to contractor or grower for pre-determined tractor time spreading amendments. 
  • With the support of Farm Ready an NTS course on soil chemistry and balancing, including practical demonstration of spreading techniques. Travel expenses included. 
  • Inclusion in national database of results, extending knowledge gained by sharing with other project growers. Information immediately available to participants. 
Results on flower farms using this approach have shown;
  • big increases in crop yield and quality
  • reduced pest and disease incidence
  • increased flower size, better colour and longer stem length
  • improved vaselife
  • harvesting window extended, reducing peak labour and risk of oversupply
  • reduced wastage, flowers don’t ‘blow’ as quickly, don’t need to be picked as often.

These benefits have often resulted in higher prices.

WildFlowers Australia recognises the valuable financial contribution of Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) in supporting the Farm Plus project.

 
For further information, contact the Project Coordinator, Dr. Audrey Gerber, ph. 0438 630 316, fax (07) 5449 0083, email audrey@gerbermail.com.au.

For WFA membership, www.wildflowersaustralia.com.au.

 

 

 Farm Plus Participant Information.pdf
 Farm Plus Regional Coordinator Information March 2009.pdf