Published on Thursday, 17 December 2020 at 10:30:00 AM
Gascoyne growers are set to reap the benefits of a significant investment in the scientific research capacity and capability of the region.
The State Government has pumped more than $1.1 million into upgrading the Gascoyne Research Facility and bolstering the number of local horticulture research scientists at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
A high-tech shade house with advanced irrigation and misting systems has been installed, as well as a greenhouse with a retractable roof for environmental control and cyclone protection, while existing structures have been retrofitted with protective cropping netting.
A digital data network has been installed and connected to soil moisture metres, water flow metres and new weather stations, as a demonstration site to encourage the adoption of data-driven information to aid growers' operations and profitability.
Two additional research staff have been recruited to work alongside growers to address production constraints and pursue research opportunities for vegetable crops and subtropical fruit, backed by recent department appointments of leads for fruit and vegetable production.
The Gascoyne irrigation district plays an important role in providing quality fresh produce to the domestic market including tomatoes, capsicums, sweet corn, mangoes, asparagus, melons, bananas, herbs and chillies, worth up to $100 million per annum.
WA Government media statement: Reinvigorated research station delivering for Carnarvon growers
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