Catching up with… Simone Cameron
Works at: NT Farmers Association
Position: VegNET Northern Territory Regional Development Officer
Hi Simone, thank you for taking the time to chat!
Firstly, can you please tell me about your role at NT Farmers. What does it involve?
The Northern Territory Farmers Association (NT Farmers) is the peak body for all the plant-based industries in the Northern Territory. As the Regional Development Officer within the NT Farmers Association, my role is broad, exciting and diverse.
In any one day I can begin with a focus on vegetable growers and then move into the coordination and collection of AgVet chemical drums as the Regional DrumMUSTER Consultant. I can then go on to collect samples, undertake crop monitoring and develop farm management programs with growers of vegetables, mangoes, melons and broadacre cropping.
It could then proceed to discussions on potential and existing land clearing applications and water allocations, to providing biosecurity assistance and looking at northern Australia agricultural developments. Based in Katherine, I travel across the NT as well as into the Kununurra region of Western Australia and far-north Queensland as part of this exciting role. My days are never dull.
How did you end up where you are today?
I grew up in rural New South Wales, and have always had a strong passion for agriculture and horticulture. I completed an Agricultural Science degree and Diploma of Agricultural Education at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.
I taught in secondary schools for many years in NSW, Queensland and the NT before moving into roles that allow me to focus predominantly on agriculture and horticulture. The NT is an exciting place to be involved in this industry. I moved to the Katherine in 2011 with my family and we now live on a 1,200-acre property north of Katherine on the Fergusson and Edith Rivers.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role and working in the vegetable industry?
The many and varied opportunities to engage with our growers, and value-adding to their production systems through positive relationships and support. My favourite day is out in the field with the growers discussing seasonal issues, challenges, farm management practices and adoption of new and emerging concepts. It is great to share energy and vision between like-minded people.
What do you think is most unique about working in horticulture in the Top End (compared to the rest of Australia)?
The NT is a growing and relatively young industry with respect to the established commodities that exists in other areas of Australia. The value of the NT’s horticultural production has grown from zero in the 1980s to more than $296 million in 2019. We have this unique position with Darwin being the closest Australian capital city to Asian markets. The NT is perfectly positioned and has exciting opportunities for direct export markets overseas.
Looking at the VegNET project in the Northern Territory, what do you want to achieve over the next 12 months?
Over the next 12 months, the VegNET project will look to the continuation of capacity building of the Northern Territory’s vegetable industry emphasising maintaining industry relationships and engagement with stakeholders.
The aim of the project is to strengthen growers’ business and agronomic models by addressing best-practice gaps and capacity requirements. Key focus areas identified at the commencement of VegNET Phase 2 are around improving and engaging soil health management practices; water efficiency measures; integrated pest management (IPM) extension and adoption; adequate biosecurity practices; and the development of protected cropping to extend the seasonal opportunities and diversification in the NT.
Where can we find out more about NT Farmers activities?
Through our active social media pages – Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and online through our regularly updated website.
You can also reach out to me personally by emailing ido@ntfarmers.org.au.
VegNET – Northern Territory is a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund.
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
Project Number: VG19017
*An update on VegNET Northern Territory activities can be found here, and will be published in the spring 2020 edition of Vegetables Australia.
Each week, the Weekly Update will be featuring a member of the vegetable industry. Whether you are a grower, a researcher or work in the supply chain, this is a chance to showcase the different roles and areas within horticulture. If you – or someone you know – would like to be involved, please email Michelle De’Lisle at michelle.delisle@ausveg.com.au.