A Sunshine Coast plant nursery is building a micro-propagation laboratory next year to help grow selected mangrove and seagrass species while creating local jobs thanks to a Rural Economic Development (RED) Grant.
The species are difficult to commercially cultivate and require sterile, climate-controlled conditions to grow which will be achieved through specialised lighting and equipment in the laboratory.
“The laboratory will be used to commercially trial and grow selected mangrove species using tissue culture and micropropagation techniques,“ Monocot Pty Ltd director Belinda Brown said.
“Mangroves are important as they stabilize the coastline from erosion, improve water quality and accumulate three to 10 times more carbon than most ecosystems on the planet. They are also a breeding habitat for many animals, like fish, birds and crustaceans.
“The construction and fit out of the lab will require specialist suppliers of cold rooms, air conditioning systems and lighting, as well as the purchase of laboratory equipment.
“When mangrove propagation trials are established, we anticipate that the nursery may require up to 30 additional laboratory assistants and/or nursery production staff to assist with the project.”
The plant products are expected to be used for blue carbon farming and mining rehabilitation.
Monocot Pty Ltd is one of 24 businesses approved for the fifth round of the RED grants program.
Grants are available for up to $200,000 with a 50 per cent cash contribution requirement from applicants to fund projects which generate economic and employment opportunities related to primary production value chains across rural and remote Queensland.
A sixth round of RED Grants, supporting Indigenous-owned agribusinesses and projects aimed at low-emissions agriculture, has been allocated for the 2023-24 financial year, with applications to open later this year.
For more information about the RED Grant scheme visit qrida.qld.gov.au/program/rural-economic-development-grants
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administers the RED Grant scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
