The 2023 Protected Cropping Australia (PCA2023) Conference took place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17-20 July.
With protected cropping one of the fastest growing horticultural sectors in Australia, the conference is a key industry event – and La Trobe University was a part of the 2023 action.
‘Growing our Future’ was the conference theme, a perfect fit the University as it seeks partners for a new Hub in Protected Cropping for Medicinal Agriculture and Horticulture.
Building upon University research expertise, as demonstrated in our Medicinal Agriculture Hub, La Trobe is expanding the scope into horticulture. This leverages our agriculture research expertise along with technology advances and data from the current Hub using the latest tools, AI, and Big Data analytics.
"The La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food is a paddock to gut initiative that draws on our experience and expertise – with cutting edge facilities, technology and research capabilities. Our expertise in protected cropping is well established, particularly in medicinal agriculture, which we are expanding to a range of horticulture industries.
"Conferences like this are key to strengthening and expanding our relationships in the industry and to stay on top of what’s happening in the protected cropping space. La Trobe has a large and expanding, industry-focused, research program – always open to discussions with prospective partners," said La Trobe Institute for Agriculture and Food Senior Director Dr. Veronica Borrett
University representatives joined a range of national and international thought-provoking speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors. Across the four-day event – organised by peak body Protected Cropping Australia – there were endless opportunities for attendees to share knowledge, research, and innovations.
The networking and learning prospects were impressive – with the protected cropping industry incorporating many sectors of horticulture including fruits, vegetables, berries, leafy greens, herbs, cut flowers, nursery, medicinal cannabis and aquaponics, vertical farms and controlled environmental agriculture industries.
Learn more about partnership opportunities with the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, including Protected Cropping for Medicinal Agriculture and Horticulture. Contact the La Trobe Industry Engagement Enterprise Development team at enterprise.dev@latrobe.edu.au
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La Trobe Industry: Agriculture, food and environment
