Growing in the tropics comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The Tropical Roots Grower Program brings together fruit and nut growers across the Gulf Savannah and the Wet Tropics regions to learn from each other, dig into the science of soil and crop health and build resilient and thriving farming systems.

Over 12 months, you'll take part in 10 sessions (8 on-farm visits and 2 online) working through practical topics alongside fellow growers and specialists. You'll be supported to better understand your soil and tree health, set up a small informal trial and track what's working on your farm. Along the way you'll explore how to manage irrigation, nutrition, orchard floors and canopies to support soil health, climate resilience, production and profitability.

What's included

10 sessions over 12 months (8 on-farm, 2 online)
Subsidised soil and plant testing (valued at $800)
Access to 1:1 consultant support (valued at $800)
Peer learning with other FNQ growers

Program topics

Understanding soil and leaf tests
Soil biology and structure
Groundcover and biodiverse orchard floor management
Crop nutrition and fertiliser efficiency
IPM and beneficial insects
Irrigation and water management
Climate resilience and landscape health

Facilitated by Will Higham, Farmacist

Session dates

Sessions will be held on the first Tuesday of each month.

2nd June, 10-2pm, Mareeba Leagues Club
7th July, location TBC
4th August, location TBC
1st Sept, location TBC
6th October, location TBC

Sessions pause over the wet season (November–March) and the final five sessions will resume in April 2027 and run until August 2027.

Cost

$160 per farm for all 10 sessions. Includes subsidised soil and plant testing and specialist consultant support, together valued at $1,600.

This program is part of Soils for Life's Orchard Resilience Project, supporting fruit and nut growers to build soil health and climate resilience. Funded by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust Climate Smart Agriculture program.

Contact the host of Tropical Roots FNQ Grower Program

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