AUSTRALIA’S first National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre has opened at Western Sydney University’s (WSU) Hawkesbury campus to tackle the rising global demand for food.
A joint-initiative between Hort Innovation and WSU, the Centre will produce the next generation of horticulture experts, and help the nation’s fresh vegetable-growers tap into the latest research and practices in protected cropping.
The centrepiece of the new facility is a $7 million Glasshouse at the Hawkesbury campus, which will be used for industry-driven research, education and training.
The Glasshouse - measuring 1,728 square metres - comprises eight temperature-controlled research bays and one large-scale teaching bay, and uses the latest climate control technology.
Features include diffuse glass and smart glass coatings that adjust the spectrum, direction and intensity of light, helping researchers to produce the highest possible commercial-yields with minimal energy, labour, nutrients and water inputs.
Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, said the University had a long history in agriculture and horticulture research and education, dating back to 1891.
“The Hawkesbury campus is located on the peri-urban fringe of Sydney – perfectly placed for conducting research and education to help drive Australia’s future horticulture productivity,” Professor Glover said.
“Until now, nothing like this has been developed locally to specifically suit Australia’s harsh climate.
“The Glasshouse and National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre cement the University’s reputation as a national leader in horticulture research and education, and continues our proud history of agriculture research and teaching at Hawkesbury.”
Hort Innovation chief executive John Lloyd said the expected findings that would come out of the Centre were exciting.
“Researchers are working to create the optimum environment to drive maximum harvest windows and overall yield for a variety of vegetables, then share this information with Australia’s growers,” he said.
“This facility will also attract new entrants to the horticulture industry by showcasing some of the most advanced technology currently available. Current and future Western Sydney University students will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this exciting time in Australian food production history.”
