Protected cropping accounts for a significant slice of the vegetable and flower industries in Australia, with a current annual GVP of about $1.3 billion (Graeme Smith Consulting) or about 16% of the total GVP for horticulture of $8.4 billion (ABS). There are about 1,300 ha of greenhouses in Australia with an average infrastructure value of $75/m2. [...]
Read More
Cooling and cool rooms use a great deal of energy; together with irrigation pumps, cooling accounts for 66% of greenhouse gas emissions from vegetable farms. Of course, the industry product has to get the market, retailer or processor in good condition. This generally means cooling products as quickly as possible and storing at the optimum [...]
Read More
Increased salinity in irrigation water, especially in times of drought, is a significant threat to the vegetable industry. The impact of drought on irrigation water quality can make it unsuitable for salt-sensitive crops. The vegetable producing areas most at risk from increased salinity include: Lockyer Valley, Bowen, Qld Werribee, Vic, especially recycled water used for [...]
Read More