La Trobe University has launched the Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub), a national research initiative focused on advancing controlled-environment horticulture. The launch took place on October 23 and was attended by Senator for Victoria Lisa Darmanin.
The PC Hub represents an investment of about US$17.5 million from La Trobe University, industry, and research partners, including a US$3.25 million ARC grant. It is led by La Trobe's Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF) and will operate as a five-year collaboration between three research providers, six industry partners, and the Australian Government.
© La Trobe University
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the PC Hub aligns with the University's goal of conducting research addressing national and global challenges. "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," he said.
Professor Tony Bacic, Director of LISAF and the PC Hub, noted that protected cropping is the fastest-growing food-producing sector in Australia, employing more than 10,000 people and generating a farm-gate value of about US$850 million. "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," he said.
Senator Darmanin said the PC Hub would help close the research and education gap in the protected cropping industry. "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," she said.
Associate Professor Monika Doblin, Research Director of the PC Hub, said the team is testing and optimising smart nutrient delivery systems and precision irrigation 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," she said.
The PC Hub's research areas include plant growth and quality, biosecurity and disease management, digital agriculture and machine learning, waste valorisation, and plant compound exploration for consumer, therapeutic, and commercial applications.
For more information:
Debora McInnes
La Trobe University
Tel: +64 0487 448 734
Email: [email protected]
www.latrobe.edu.au
