ISHS Acta Horticulturae 683: V International Symposium on New Floricultural Crops
THE CENTRE FOR NATIVE FLORICULTURE |
| Author: | M.E. Johnston |
| Keywords: | Queensland native species, domestication, focal flowers, fillers, potted colour |
| Abstract:
The Centre for Native Floriculture has recently been established as an initiative of The University of Queensland and the Queensland State Government, Australia. It is based within the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (NRAVS), at the Gatton Campus of the University of Queensland. The potential for commercial development of native plants has been recognised previously but the opportunity has never been approached systematically by a critical mass of researchers. Our proposal is aimed to deal with this issue in the only way that will lead to sustainable growth and well being of the industry: by addressing it as a system characterised by the interaction of people, products, markets, science and technology. The program structure is conceived as two pillars connected by a girder. All three elements of this structure are essential. The first program concerns the development of a strong industry infrastructure and business system to improve our capacity to produce and market floricultural products internationally. This is associated with quality management systems, production and distribution systems and the capacity to continuously and reliably produce products meeting the needs of the markets. The second program is aimed at developing new high value products through breeding and biotechnology and by developing production systems capable of delivering products meeting the needs of markets. It aims to use the natural resources that exist within Queensland’s unique "bioregions". The third program, Capacity Building aims to develop the technical and business skills within the floricultural industry and build the industry’s capacity to grow and develop by taking advantage of the outputs and outcomes of the Value Chain and Floriculture Breeding and Biotechnology Programs. The Centre for Native Floriculture provides an opportunity to build floricultural exports through a coordinated and integrated approach to new species research, market development and industry capacity building. | |
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