Supporter Information:
AgriFutures Australia is the trading name for Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC). AgriFutures Australia invests in research, leadership, innovation and learning to support industries that do not have their own research and development function, new and emerging industries, and the issues that affect the whole of agriculture
Website: https://www.agrifutures.com.au
Facebook: @AgriFuturesAU
Twitter: @AgriFuturesAU
Jade King
2022 Scholarship winner
Fruitful horizons for Queensland finger lime producer and entrepreneur
Jade King is a director and owner of Green Valley Fingerlimes on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, and is adding the title of Nuffield Scholar to her cap.
With the generous support of AgriFutures Australia, Jade will use her 2022 Nuffield Scholarship to research agronomic practices that produce consistent fruit quality.
She says that’s key to expanding the market for this native Australian fruit, both nationally and internationally.
Jade and her family’s commercial finger lime farm has more than 1,700 trees, including 1,200 of the Champagne Red variety and about 400 Chartreuse and 100 Emerald. They are planning to bring their production up to more than 2,000 trees.
“We distribute all over Australia to major markets and export to countries such as Italy, Singapore and Hong Kong. Our fresh finger lime season extends from December through to July.”
Jade says the Australian finger lime industry is a relatively young industry and not much research has been undertaken to support it.
“As an Australian native product, Australia needs to lead the way in finger lime production and research and maintain proprietorship of this unique native fruit.”
She plans to travel to Italy, Spain, Japan and the US, where there are budding industries and markets for the citrus affectionately known as “lime caviar” for its little balls of juice that burst in people’s mouths.
“By being a Nuffield Scholar, I can research in depth a unique and amazing native Australian product, share what I learn to help others in the industry and promote Australian agriculture and Australian produce.”
Ph: 0405 125 791