Queensland’s persimmon industry will gain greater market and production data insights thanks to a Digital Transformation Grant as part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said Persimmons Australia would use its $42,800 grant to develop the new digital platform by June next year.

“These grants were established under Queensland’s Economic Recovery plan to help our agricultural industries make better use of digital technologies and access new opportunities,” Mr Furner said.

“The COVID-19 Pandemic created serious challenges for the agriculture sector, but the Palaszczuk Government has worked closely with industry to find solutions for emerging problems and stand shoulder to shoulder with our farmers.”

The grant to Persimmons Australia will support an $85,600 project that will include:

- Final development, trialling and adoption of a digital reporting system to inform and direct activities around supply, packaging and price negotiations; and
- Engage producers to improve industry communication and cooperation.

“The grant means better outcomes for the persimmon industry, which has growers from Far North Queensland all the way to the Sunshine Coast and Lockyer Valley,” Mr Furner said.

Persimmons Australia president Chris Stillard said the organisation was excited to refine and roll out its digital online data exchange system for market intelligence across the industry.

“The program will allow Persimmons Australia to work closely with its growers to build their trust and confidence in using digital technologies,” Mr Stillard said.

“I believe there is enormous scope for the industry to benefit from increased knowledge around market intelligence.

“It will drive a more market-focused industry.”

Mr Furner said a total of $5.5 million is being invested over three years through the Digital Transformation in Agribusiness Initiative.