The VegNET Regional Development Officer (RDO) was hosted by the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) in Bowen, and delivery of VG19008 in the North and Far North Queensland regions has focused on developing opportunities in innovative practices, tools, and collaborations to meet the challenges of the environment, productivity, and profitability for regional vegetable growers. The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) priorities focused on biosecurity, productivity, and sustainability.

Results from a grower survey in March 2021 and direct contact with growers identified the following priorities for 2021:

1. Improve or adopt new pest/disease control strategies and tools
2. Adopt of new technology/practices to improve agronomy/efficiency
3. Reduce the cost of inputs (example: electricity, irrigation, fertilisers)