The research hub will work closely with industry to solve practical challenges
A new A$27mn protected cropping research centre, designed to make Australia’s protected cropping industry more competitive, sustainable and adaptive to market needs and environmental challenges, has been launched at La Trobe University.
La Trobe University’s Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) was officially launched on 23 October by senator for Victoria, Lisa Darmanin.
The PC Hub is an investment by La Trobe University, research and industry partners, including a A$5mn 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 core mission to conduct cutting-edge research that tackles real-world challenges in areas of national and global importance. It would works on developing new smart agricultural systems, precision irrigation and optimised plant breeding.
“As an innovator in sustainable agriculture and food research, La Trobe is well placed to lead this major hub that will positively impact Australia’s food and medicinal industries,” Farrell said.
“This significant 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 A$1.3bn.
“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,” Bacic said.
Senator Darmanin said the PC Hub would close the education and research gap to support Australia’s growing protected cropping sector, which lags international competitors in size.
“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,” Darmanin said.
Associate professor Monika Doblin, research director of the PC Hub, said smart nutrient delivery systems and precision irrigation were a few examples of innovations the Hub was currently testing and optimising with its 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,” Doblin said.
The Hub’s five key research areas include boosting 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.
