New technology helps FNQ fruit grower to boost capacity and future proof their business

Tablelands based Rocky Creek Orchards NQ is a third-generation, family owned fruit processing and packaging business who has been operating for more than 50 years.

From paddock bin to saleable tray, Rocky Creek Orchards NQ grow, process and pack avocadoes, mangoes, passionfruit, lychees, gold kiwi fruit and kipfler potatoes.

Rocky Creek Orchards NQ was one of 15 businesses to receive a grant of up to $250,000 under Round Three of the Rural Economic Development (RED) Grant program which is administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

Director Guiseppe Masasso said the funding would be used to upgrade their existing fruit sorting and grading equipment to the latest, state of the art technology.

“Upgrading to the latest grading and sorting technology is the best way to achieve the business’ goals of maintaining a competitive position within our industry and being recognised as a leading technology adopter and industry champion in our region," he said. 

“Orchards serviced by our packaging plant include avocado and mango orchards located at Kennedy, Ravenshoe, Kaban, Wombinoo Station, Tolga, Atherton, Walkamin, Kairi, Mareeba, Mutchilba and Dimbulah.

“It’s important that we keep up with industry standards to not only guarantee the best outcome for our suppliers’ fruit but also for the consumer.

“Having the latest technology will future proof our business. For our business Compac’s ‘Spectrim 2CIR’ is the next generation of fruit sorting, leading in speed, accuracy, gentle handling, hygiene and safety."

The new fruit processing technology is expected to increase Rocky Creek Orchards NQ capacity by 20%. 

“The plant currently packs approximately 1000 trays of produce per hour with re-grading of incorrectly sorted fruit done manually on the packing line by the packing staff,” Mr Masasso said. 

“It is anticipated that an upgrade of the sorting and grading technology will allow the business to run the plant at a higher speed due to superior sorting and grading with the ability to pack up to 1200 trays of fruit per hour.”

The increase in production capacity will open up new opportunities for economic and employment growth in the Tablelands region.

“In order to cope with the potential increase in productivity it will be necessary to employ additional forklift operators, an additional Packed Product Controller and an additional Fruit Receivable Officer,” Mr Masasso said.

“The project will give us the opportunity to create more employment with a doubling of seasonal workers.

“Seasonal workers provide many economic benefits to regional towns and are a valuable source of regional economic growth in rural areas."

The project is expected to create up to 17 direct and indirect jobs post installation of the new sorting and grading machine.

The Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants program offers emerging projects up to $250,000 in co-contributions to build industry and grow employment opportunities across the agricultural sector. The $10 million grants program provides for three funding rounds over a three-year period ending 2021.

A total of 15 businesses have received $3.14 million under the third round of funding for the RED Grants program. Overall, these projects are expected to create more than 600 jobs across the agricultural sector in regional Queensland.

Across the three rounds of the RED Grant program, a total of 43 agricultural businesses have received funding toward economic development projects worth $40.8 million and estimated to create 1,897 new direct and indirect jobs over the lifetime of these projects.

QRIDA offers a range of assistance to primary producers, small business and non-profit organisations. To find out what’s available visit Programs and Services.

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administer the RED Grant scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.