SuniTAFE’s new Protected Horticulture Program was launched to the public this week with an expo held at the SMART Farm campus.

The event was aimed at members of the horticultural industry, as well as secondary school students with an interest in the field.

The expo was designed to showcase how SuniTAFE’s Protected Horticulture Program is contributing to the local food production industry by training the future of the workforce.

Protected Cropping Australia Project Manager Tony Bundock attended the event to give a presentation to the many industry representatives in attendance.

He discussed the varying benefits of low-technology, mid-technology, and high-technology grow structures, and how they can be utilised by growers to maximise the reliability and output of their crops.

Tour groups were then able to explore the campus to see the new equipment and technologies that have been introduced recently and hear from experts in the field about how each piece of technology can benefit the industry.

During the afternoon, there were four sessions on offer for secondary students to attend with areas of interest including the benefits of protected horticulture, modular farms, netting systems, and AgTech.

SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer Brett Millington was proud to welcome so many industry leaders and aspiring horticulturalists to the SMART Farm campus to introduce them to the innovative methods being adopted by the team.

“It was great to see so many people visit our SMART Farm this week to gain an insight into the work we are doing,” he said.

“It is our job here at SuniTAFE to connect students with industry and to give them the skills that industry needs now, and for where the future of agriculture and horticulture are heading.

“Sunraysia is one of Victoria’s largest contributors to horticultural and agricultural exports for Australia, so it is critically important that we introduce people to the industry to help it grow and adapt for the future.”

SuniTAFE would like to thank Protected Cropping Australia for their participation in the expo, along with all other participating businesses.