Summary

This project established an R&D partnership between industry stakeholders and government organisations across northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia to identify new investments opportunities to scale up commercial protected cropping (PC).

Building on an initial proof-of-concept led by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), the project supported the horticulture industry in adopting technologies and agronomic practices to securely produce a wider range of demand-led fresh produce. These practices enable extended production periods and more efficient resource management.

A roadmap outlining potential pathways for increased benefits to farmers through PC adoption was developed, offering current and prospective growers tangible steps to strengthen northern Australia’s vegetable and fruit export value chains.

The Protected Cropping project informed a vision for the PC industry in the tropics and outline region-specific potential pathways to adoption.

Watch these videos to learn more – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPrDhhnuS08

Expected outcomes

• Increased awareness, understanding, and knowledge of the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting protected cropping (PC) in key regions of northern Australia.
• A comprehensive report providing region-specific recommendations for PC adaption.
• Doubling of the current protected cropping area for vegetables and berries in tropical regions within 5 to 8 years, reaching approximately 300 hectares.