PROTECTED cropping farmers were positively challenged on numerous aspects of their farming methods with the hope of driving more efficient production and sustainability at the Hydroponic Farmers Federation Conference 2018 in Melbourne last month.
The bi-annual conference attracted about 200 delegates from throughout the hydroponic, greenhouse and protected cropping supply chains.
The program featured numerous speakers that posed challenging questions to growers, pushing them to think beyond the standard methods.
From investigating labour source options to gaining an extra 5 per cent output through lighting methods, the conference presented ample information for growers to mull over.
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Other aspects put into the spotlight included irrigation, exotic plant pests, packaging and consumer buying trends.
Victorian Agriculture and Regional Development Minister, Jaala Pulford, officially opened the event, saying protected cropping, including hydroponic farming, was the fastest growing food production sector in Australia, with rapid growth in investment and glasshouse area.
"When I look at what is possible to achieve with hydroponic and glasshouse systems, it’s clear that the potential is enormous," Ms Pulford said.
"The productivity gain compared to field systems for tomatoes is approximately 350 to 500pc."
The conference also incorporated the Protected Cropping Australia annual general meeting.
The gala dinner and presentation evening after the second day provided an opportunity for the industry to celebrate its successes and its achievers.
Minister talks up hydroponic industry
VICTORIAN Agriculture Minister, Jaala Pulford, has talked up Victoria’s potential to embrace advances in the hydroponic industry at the Hydroponic Farmers Federation Conference 2018 in Melbourne in June.
After outlining some figures on the industry’s growth, Ms Pulford gave special mention of Victoria's capacity to be at the forefront of the industry.
"Victoria is the third-largest producer of intensive horticulture products in Australia with approximately 200 hectares of glasshouses, and accounts for approximately 26pc of Australia’s intensive tomato production, 55pc of intensive capsicum production and 19pc of intensive eggplant production," she said.
"I think everyone here recognises that the potential markets aren’t just domestic our reputation for clean green produce is makes us attractive to a range of export markets."
One of the highlights to the event was the farm tour.
The program included a visit to the Ball Horticultural Company and Humphris Nursery at Sky and Mooroolbark.
Of note for many on the tour was seeing the Cravo retractable roof greenhouse at Humphries Nursery.
The structure allows plants to experience natural growing conditions and maximum light when the roof is retracted, whilst being able to protect plants against adverse weather conditions and cooler temperatures by closing the roof.
The packed speaker program was accompanied by a trade show featuring many products of interest for those within the industry.
Part of this included a Bike N Blend challenge sponsored by Rijk Zwaan, where delegates not only tested their cycling prowess but also created a blended smoothie from fresh ingredients.
The gathering also saw international exhibitors, including a delegation from Korea.
HFF president, John Elford, said plenty of effort went into the event.
"The conference represents a lot of hard work by the organising committee and it was great to see it come together in such a positive way," Mr Elford said.