Pineapple grower puts sustainability at the top

While it’s his fruit that earns him a living, some of Bundaberg-based, Heinz supplier David Flewell-Smith’s best work can be found “in between” his rows of pineapples.

A pioneer of a technique called “living mulching”, this fifth generation farmer is seen as a guru among his peers.

He is the proud recipient of a sustainable agriculture award and is the only Aussie pineapple grower who has been published in the International Pineapple News scientific journal for his work on sustainable farming practices.

“Living mulch is a green cover crop, which is planted in the steep inter-row space,” Mr Flewell-Smith said.

“I favour planting jumbo sorghum to control soil erosion.

“The added benefit of living green mulch is that it builds up the microbes in the soil, which minimises soil borne pests, such as nematodes.”

To further prevent soil erosion, Mr Flewell-Smith has also put in a 150-metre grassed roadway, which helps transport water downhill.

A trailblazer of sorts, Mr Flewell-Smith said he would rather be leading the way in sustainable farming practices than waiting to be dictated to by government legislation.

“As a farmer, I prefer to be proactive when it comes to the environment,” he said.

“Traditionally, pineapple farms were bare soil and pineapple plants.

“People think a crop should be a mono-culture, but there are benefits to be gained by including green mulch, grassed areas and even a few weeds.”

Originally, from Caboolture on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Mr Flewell-Smith made the break to Bundaberg’s Elliott district (20 kilometres south of Bundaberg) in 2007 because of a loss of leased land on the Sunshine Coast.

While moving 100 years of family farming history came with its fair share of challenges, he and his family have settled in well to Bundaberg’s moderate climate, where he has been producing organic crops alongside his sustainable canned varieties, which he supplies to Heinz.

“Bundaberg’s climate is better suited to growing pineapples – the summer is slightly cooler and the winter is warmer,” he said.

“It means we enjoy a slightly shorter growing and longer harvest season.”

An adaptor to change, Mr Flewell-Smith has also taken in his stride the shift from Golden Circle to Heinz, which occurred in December 2008.

“We’ve gained many benefits since Heinz acquired Golden Circle, including increased professionalism for Golden Circle,” Mr Flewell-Smith said.

“Wherever possible, Heinz is committed to supporting local, Aussie growers and encourages environmentally sustainable practices.

“Our manufacturing processes have improved and we’re happy with the way the business is heading.”