Queensland strawberry growers are under increasing pressure due to the relatively low cost of importing the fruit.
The Queensland Strawberry Growers Association is now discussing the possibility of establishing processing centres in order to stay viable.
It says millions of dollars worth of strawberries grown in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay districts are thrown out each year.
The Queensland Strawberry Growers Association has been brainstorming a zero waste project whereby no strawberry grown on the Sunshine Coast is thrown out, and there are talks about processing centres in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions.
The growers are also facing the pressure of an outbreak of charcoal rot disease.
BOC, in conjunction with the CSIRO and LZD Czech Republic, has developed a new soil fumigant called EDN Fumigas (Ethanedinitrile) which has proven effective on soil pathogens and weeds.
The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) is expected to approve registration shortly.
These topics, and more, will be discussed further at FoodTech, a three-day event which aims to bring together food and beverage manufacturers from the Queensland region.
Running from 26-28 June at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, it includes a line-up of interactive sessions covering trending topics and key issues.
You can register for FoodTech here.
