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UQ's Centre for Native Floriculture (CNF) has developed an interactive CD to give potential growers of native cut flowers and foliage a head start on their business development research.

The CD, entitled "I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers", is the first in a series of scenario-based learning, interactive CDs that are being developed by the CNF, which is based at UQ Gatton.

The scenario-based learning, interactive tools are intended to assist new and potential native flower growers to improve their understanding of the commercial production of native flowers.

"I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers" is targeted at people who are looking into growing native flowers and foliage on a commercial basis and who may be unsure where to start, and what is involved.

The CD features a scenario-based process which gives a virtual step-by-step guide to the user's initial business planning and development activities.

A key characteristic of the Australian native flower industry is the large variety of crops grown in diverse geographic areas of Australia.

The "I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers" presentation considers a generic crop and location. The scenario's generic nature gives users the essence of what it is like to grow native flowers.

Some scenario features include an understanding of the required infrastructure and equipment , an indication of the capital and operating costs, and an appreciation of the time lag between planting the crop and income generation. This includes the implications of this time lag on potential business cash flow.

Another key feature of "I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers" is the capacity to perform "what ifs" in an active spreadsheet that shows the effects of changes in price and production on business cash flow.

Additionally, further reading and research is easily accessible through embedded information in the forms of documents and links to web pages about growing native flowers.

The "I Think I Want to Grow Native Flowers" CD was officially launched on Thursday, March 6, by UQ Adjunct Professor Dr Aila Keto, a conservationist who helped establish the CNF at UQ. The CNF is co-sponsored by the Queensland Government through its Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry.