Smart agricultural systems, precision irrigation and optimised plant breeding are being developed at a new $27 million La Trobe University research centre that aims to make protected cropping across Australia’s food and medicinal industries more competitive, sustainable and adaptable to market needs and environmental pressures.
Protected cropping involves the production of crops under shelter to provide optimal growing conditions and protection from pests, diseases and adverse weather.
La Trobe University’s Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) was officially launched by senator for Victoria Lisa Darmanin on Thursday, 23 October.
The PC Hub is a $27 million investment by La Trobe University, research and industry partners, including a $5 million ARC grant. Led by La Trobe’s Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF), the PC Hub is a five-year partnership between three research providers, six industry partners and the Australian government.
Vice-chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the PC Hub reflected the university’s mission to conduct research that addresses real-world challenges in areas of national and global importance.
“As an innovator in sustainable agriculture and food research, La Trobe is well placed to lead this hub that will positively impact Australia’s food and medicinal industries,” Professor Farrell said.
“This partnership between academia, industry and government is crucial to advancing the research and innovation that will build a resilient, competitive and sustainable horticultural industry for Australia.”
Professor Tony Bacic, director of LISAF and the PC Hub, said protected cropping was the fastest-growing food-producing sector in Australia, employing more than 10,000 people with a farm-gate value of $1.3 billion.
“We are working closely with industry to solve practical challenges — whether it’s reducing energy use, improving pest management or enhancing crop quality and yield. This is about creating smarter, cost-effective and sustainable systems for horticulture and medicinal agriculture crops,” Professor Bacic said.
Senator Darmanin said the PC Hub would close the education and research gap to support Australia’s growing protected cropping sector, which remains smaller than international competitors.
“The PC Hub’s research and innovation will benefit Australia’s farmers and producers by helping to secure our food future against climate impacts and unlock more export opportunities for high-value premium food products and plant-based medicines,” senator Darmanin said.
Associate professor Monika Doblin, research director of the PC Hub, said smart nutrient delivery systems and precision irrigation were among the innovations being developed and tested with industry partners.
“Through research, technological know-how and collaboration, we can address challenges related to climate variability, waste and disease management while demonstrating the tangible benefits of protected cropping to Australian growers,” associate professor Doblin said.
The hub’s five research areas include plant growth and quality; biosecurity and disease management; digital agriculture and machine learning; waste valorisation; and exploring plant compounds for consumer, therapeutic or commercial applications.