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Advice on Publications Available.[Alan Davidson is a herb grower in the Toowoomba area. He spent 27 years in Papua-New Guinea, ten of these years involved in the coffee industry, in which he was responsible for the processing, marketing and export of value-added products under the Goroka Coffee label. In Australia, he was responsible for marketing for the Unity Dairy in Toowoomba and for designing computer systems for the ICI Explosives factory at Helidon, east of Toowoomba. He believes his training and background, in accountancy, computer systems, school teaching and, of course, explosives have equipped him for his current new crop adventures.]
If the desire to grow a new or alternative crop is based on an idealistic approach to the enterprise, it is best not to proceed, because the enterprise will probably fail. Hard-headed research is needed before the first plant is put in the ground.
The answers to these basic questions can be determined by using a number of processes.
It helps a great deal to be able to think laterally.
It is important to be aware of pre-conceived notions or prejudices.
There is a need to be extremely tenacious.
Goals and visions of what is to be achieved should be clearly defined. There are many detractors and knockers; be wary of those seeking to distract the innovator.
In my search for information in my chosen field, the commercial production of herbs, both culinary and medicinal, dried and fresh, I spent five years doing private research, establishing a network of people who could provide me with information.
I went up many dry gullies, had many false starts and generally was frustrated at almost every turn.
The cost in both time and money was substantial, but from it all I was finally able to proceed with a reasonable degree of confidence in the belief that I would be successful.
The methods I used were as follows, and are presented in the hope that other folk may be saved some time and frustration.
Some background knowledge will help. I had no knowledge of whom to approach for information about the new crop which interested me. Hence, there was no way I was able to discern whether what I was being told was factual. On some occasions, I now know I was simply told anything so that I would go away.
On the other hand, it does not matter how much real information a person may have on a subject, I have always found it useful to approach new potential information sources as if I knew nothing on the subject. Any displays of knowledge can intimidate the prospective source.
Many people refused to share information, on the basis that there may have been future competition.
I started with State Departments of Agriculture and found little of any value. This was not surprising, since their responsibilities were to the established industries and the majority of the producers.
Instead, I visited every field day, show and agricultural or horticultural event I could find, such as Ag Show, Farm Fest and the Gatton Horti-Expo (all in our own, Toowoomba area). The Farming the Future Expo at Cooroy I consider to be essential.
Each area of each state has its own shows, expos, demonstrations and field days. I have found that any field day or demonstration covering crops or systems, being advertised within a reasonable distance, can be of some use, no matter how tenuous the link to my own crop interests.
It surprised me how often, at such events, I met someone who had information of interest to me. As well, there was invariably a wide range of machinery and general agricultural products which could be of use to me.
Conferences of like-minded people have often been very useful also, even if the conference topic was not specifically relevant to my new crops.
From such events, I have built up a valuable network of people all over Australia, along with a lot of useful information. Each has helped me build up my knowledge of the herb industry.
Such a network has been more useful to me, I believe, because I have met the people face-to-face. Telephone contact does not seem to have been as effective, since there is an element of trust required in the establishment of networks and this requires some personal contact.
The people I have needed in my network were involved in growing, marketing, processing, importing, exporting, research, technology, the manufacture or importation of machinery and equipment, and so on.
Printed information has been useful. A general publication which is extremely useful is 'Australian Horticulture', along with this Newsletter. As well, I have collected a large number of books on all aspects of herbs, some of which, unfortunately have been very expensive. People have told me they consider books to be too expensive. I believe we cannot afford not to have them.
Other sources of information I have found to be extremely helpful include:
ABC Regional Radio
In our area, there are Country programs at 6.15 a.m. and 12 noon each weekday. At times, these have been very useful.
ABC TV
The program, 'Landline' and occasional documentaries have been useful. Although Landline is sometimes criticised, there is much information of value about the structure and development of new industries to warrant the time spent watching.
SBS TV
This channel has documentary programs which I have regularly found to be interesting and helpful.
Commercial TV
Occasionally, there have been documentaries of value. The weekly program 'Cross Country' on Regional Channel 7 is good.
Internet
There is more and more valuable information becoming available on the Internet.
Libraries
Following my remarks above, there is always a wide range of good help in the local library. Inter-library loans can be arranged relatively simply.
To be able to supply a manufacturer with medicinal herbs, it is imperative to be certified as an organic producer. Many crops have a wider appeal in the market, especially overseas, if they have been grown under organically-certified conditions.
In Australia, the BFA (Biological Farmers of Australia), NASA (National Association of Sustainable Agriculture) and biodynamic farming bodies are able to provide membership and printed copies of the necessary standards. Each body provides an informative newsletter. Their field days and conferences have usually been useful. The newspaper 'Acres', which is produced six times a year, covers natural farming and related topics.
To be competitive and successful, it is necessary to have as broad a perspective as possible on the chosen crop and its industry in general.
Too narrow a base of information will mean failure in the long run.
We need people who are prepared to step out, bite the bullet and take the plunge.
This can be done with confidence if the preparation has been adequate. In most respects, the new crop producer is on his/her own.
Any claims made by authors in the Australian New Crops Newsletter are presented by the Editors in good faith. Readers would be wise to critically examine the circumstances associated with any claims to determine the applicability of such claims to their specific set of circumstances. This material can be reproduced, with the provision that the source and the author (or editors, if applicable) are acknowledged and the use is for information or educational purposes. Contact with the original author is probably wise since the material may require updating or amendment if used in other publications. Material sourced from the Australian New Crops Newsletter cannot be used out of context or for commercial purposes not related to its original purpose in the newsletter
Contact: Dr Rob Fletcher, School of Land and Food, The University of Queensland Gatton College, 4345; Telephone: 07 5460 1311 or 07 5460 1301; Facsimile: 07 5460 1112; International facsimile: 61 7 5460 1112; Email:
r.fletcher@mailbox.uq.edu.au[
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GK; latest update 6 June 1999 by: RF