Articles
The Australian greenhouse industry – meeting the challenges
Article number
1107_4
Pages
37 – 44
Language
English
Abstract
The Australian greenhouse industry is relatively small and young by international standards.
It comprises the full range of structures from high technology environmental control through to protective type structures.
Geographically it is diverse industry, with facilities located between 16 and 37° south latitudes.
Whilst there are a wide range of crops and ornamental plants produced, the technical development of the industry is strongly influenced by the hydroponic production of tomatoes.
The greenhouse areas are concentrated in the colder south eastern part of the continent, where winter heating is required.
The challenges faced by the growers include increased cost of production, particularly energy costs, labour costs, product price, water security, greenhouse pest and diseases and the lack of expertise available to address specific greenhouse and production issues.
This paper will review the local greenhouse industry with particular reference to the following topics: developments in Australian greenhouse industry; meeting consumer requirements; selection of financially viable technologies; techniques, including fogging, to achieve high temperature control; facilitating adoption of hydroponic production systems and water security and water quality for greenhouse production.
The future for greenhouse food production in Australia looks promising.
There is increased recognition of the importance of high quality, fresh and safe food.
In addition there is increased awareness of the need to care for the environment.
Greenhouse vegetable production is well positioned to deliver in all these key areas.
It comprises the full range of structures from high technology environmental control through to protective type structures.
Geographically it is diverse industry, with facilities located between 16 and 37° south latitudes.
Whilst there are a wide range of crops and ornamental plants produced, the technical development of the industry is strongly influenced by the hydroponic production of tomatoes.
The greenhouse areas are concentrated in the colder south eastern part of the continent, where winter heating is required.
The challenges faced by the growers include increased cost of production, particularly energy costs, labour costs, product price, water security, greenhouse pest and diseases and the lack of expertise available to address specific greenhouse and production issues.
This paper will review the local greenhouse industry with particular reference to the following topics: developments in Australian greenhouse industry; meeting consumer requirements; selection of financially viable technologies; techniques, including fogging, to achieve high temperature control; facilitating adoption of hydroponic production systems and water security and water quality for greenhouse production.
The future for greenhouse food production in Australia looks promising.
There is increased recognition of the importance of high quality, fresh and safe food.
In addition there is increased awareness of the need to care for the environment.
Greenhouse vegetable production is well positioned to deliver in all these key areas.
Authors
G.J. Connellan, S. Parks
Keywords
Australia, greenhouse industry, greenhouse technology, hydroponics, tomato production, vegetable consumers
Online Articles (43)