Have you ever wondered what it takes to future-proof Australia’s $16 billion horticulture industry? Western Sydney University has just unveiled an ambitious answer, launching a groundbreaking national collaboration that promises to transform how we grow, manage, and sustain our most valuable crops.
Western Sydney University Leads National Initiative to Transform Smart Sustainable Horticulture
The Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture has officially opened its doors, marking a pivotal moment for Australia’s agricultural sector. Based at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, this comprehensive initiative brings together leading universities and industry partners in an unprecedented collaboration.
A Major Investment in Agricultural Innovation
The Centre represents substantial commitment to horticultural advancement, with $8 million allocated from ARC, universities, and industry partners over the next five years. As a result, the program will train 30 PhD and early career researchers, strategically preparing the next generation of horticultural practitioners for evolving climate challenges and shifting global market demands.
This partnership unites Western Sydney University with The Australian National University and The University of Western Australia, alongside eight industry-leading organisations. Meanwhile, these partners span diverse specialties including seed technology, vertical farming, data analytics, agri-tech, and commercialisation, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for innovation.
The Power of Protected Cropping
Protected horticulture, commonly known as protected cropping, contributed approximately $2 billion to Australia’s horticultural industry in 2021-2022. This sophisticated method involves cultivating valuable crops—such as leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumber, capsicum, and berries—under controlled shelter environments.
For example, this approach allows growers to optimise growing conditions, effectively manage environmental stresses, and control disease without heavy reliance on pesticides. Consequently, it ensures sustainability while maintaining Australia’s clean, green reputation in global markets.
Expert Vision for Industry Transformation
Professor Oula Ghannoum, Director of the ARC Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture, emphasised the Centre’s crucial role in supporting sector growth and resilience.
“The ARC Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture is a unique partnership bringing together Australia’s leading university-based researchers with key industry actors, leaders and early adopters. It builds on the University’s long history of agricultural education – from farming traditions at the Hawkesbury Agricultural College, and now as a national leader in protected cropping. Our mission is to build new capabilities for the horticulture industry. We will train the next generation of researchers and industry leaders to drive innovation, sustainability, and resilience for the protected cropping industry.”
Four Strategic Research Programs
The Centre will deliver comprehensive research through four integrated programs designed to address the sector’s most pressing challenges:
- Expanding the variety of high-value crops that can be grown in protected environments such as glasshouses, polytunnels and vertical farms.
- Enhancing crop health and yields through early detection of stress and disease, and improved plant microbiomes.
- Developing low-input, low-carbon solutions to help the industry achieve net-zero goals and strengthen sustainability.
- Identifying socio-economic barriers to technology adoption and improving consumer engagement to accelerate innovation uptake.
Building Global Competitiveness Through Innovation
These strategic programs will support the protected cropping sector in becoming more sustainable, technologically advanced, and globally competitive. Furthermore, they ensure long-term resilience for the industry while securing Australia’s vital position in the global food supply chain.
The launch event featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Ms Susan Templeman MP for Macquarie, Ms Judy Satrapa from the Australian Research Council, and prominent industry leaders. Their participation underscores the significant government and industry backing behind this transformative initiative.
As climate change and population growth continue to challenge traditional agriculture, initiatives like this represent the future of sustainable farming practices. The Centre’s comprehensive approach—combining cutting-edge research, industry partnership, and next-generation training—positions Australia at the forefront of global horticultural innovation.
This groundbreaking collaboration demonstrates how strategic investment in smart sustainable horticulture can drive meaningful change across an entire industry. By training tomorrow’s agricultural leaders today, Western Sydney University is helping ensure Australia’s horticulture sector remains resilient, competitive, and environmentally responsible for generations to come. For more detailed information about this initiative, visit the Smart Horticulture Centre website.
