UPFRONT VegNET

The VegNET WA innovation-funded workshop series

Western Australia’s protected cropping sector has taken a significant step forward with the completion of a VegNET innovation-funded workshop series, culminating in an advanced Masterclass in Greenhouse Technical Management.

Words Katrina Hill, Regional Development Officer, VegNET

THE VegNET project responded to multiple requests for support across regions by delivering targeted workshops, consultations, and outreach activities, equipping over 30 vegetable and cross-commodity producers and horticultural advisors with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their operations.

The series was designed to link an emerging interest group in Protected cropping (PC) with access to decision making resources and catered for a wide spectrum of individual business needs and technology levels; from those transitioning into protected cropping, moving from low-tech to med-tech production systems or technology options to simply refine skills and capacity to improve on efficiencies.

The workshop series was shaped to offer value for growers at various stages of their protected cropping journey, from those exploring the potential benefits of transitioning to controlled environments to those seeking advanced technical training.

Greenhouse Technical Management Masterclass — Crop registration field training Carabooda.

Protected cropping 4.5 day intensive masterclass graduates.

Targeted training for growers and industry

VegNET WA successfully applied for vegetable innovation funds and partnered with Berries Australia, Agrology Pty Limited, Protected Cropping Australia and GSC Consulting to deliver a range of specialised training sessions, including:

• Introduction to Protected Cropping (PC) Workshop:

A foundational workshop providing an overview of the benefits, challenges, and investment considerations of PC systems —0.5 day.

• Technical Training in Irrigation and Fertigation:

Delivered by Levi Nupponen of Agrology Pty Limited, these sessions focused on water and nutrient management in protected cropping environments. Technical knowledge of water delivery systems, nutrient formulations, pH and EC management, automation technologies, substrate water-holding capacity, drainage optimisation, crop-specific nutrient requirements, and troubleshooting issues like clogging, salt buildup, and system inefficiencies —2 days.

• Substrates in Hydroponics :

Key factors for growing in a substrate-based hydroponic greenhouse include nutrient balance, water quality, pH control, temperature, humidity, light levels, oxygenation, substrate selection, and disease prevention —0.5 day.

• Farm Consultations with Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) —Project Officer:

One-on-one advisory sessions that provided tailored recommendations for individual farms —2 days.

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Presentation for greenhouse growers in WA:

Covered advanced biological control strategies, identification and management of common regional pests, effective use of beneficial organisms, monitoring techniques, and sustainable approaches to minimising chemical interventions —0.5 day.

• Graeme Smith Consulting Masterclass in Greenhouse Technical Management :

A four-and-a-half-day intensive workshop delivered by Graeme Smith Consulting, covering advanced techniques in climate control, irrigation, plant nutrition, integrated pest management, and production system optimisation —4.5 days.

A comprehensive learning experience

The Greenhouse Technical Management Masterclass, held at the Piney Lakes Environmental Centre, was the pinnacle of the series. This immersive training program attracted growers and industry professionals from six different WA growing regions, travelling hundreds of kilometres to participate.

Businesses including seedling nurseries, berry farms, cucumber, and capsicum producers, converged for the masterclass, fostering an environment rich in knowledge exchange.

Learning outcomes

Key learning outcomes from the masterclass included:

• Understanding the principles of controlled production systems

• Applying new strategies and technologies for managing greenhouse climates and irrigation

• Improving plant growing techniques and production efficiency

• Developing integrated pest management strategies

• Optimising plant nutrition and fertigation programs.

Participants left with actionable takeaways to enhance their production systems and business decision-making. Feedback was positive, with many growers eager to apply their fresh knowledge and strong interest in further workshop opportunities during 2025.

Addressing industry challenges and future directions

The success of the workshop series has underscored the growing appetite for advanced protected cropping training in WA. Key areas of interest identified through grower engagement include:

• Transitioning to protected cropping —horticultural netting systems, low-cost low tech tunnel options

• Converting and recirculation water and nutrient systems

• Advancing from low-tech to medium-tech production systems to improve monitoring and decision-making.

These priorities reflect the increasing demand for improving effective growing practices in WA’s protected cropping sector. To sustain this momentum, future VegNET WA extension activities will focus on building local expertise, reducing reliance on costly external consultants, and tailoring training programs to the diverse needs of WA growers.

Building a collaborative protected cropping network

A significant outcome of the project has been the establishment of a Protected Cropping Grower Interest Group, designed to facilitate ongoing knowledge exchange between existing and aspiring PC growers, regional development officers, and industry organisations.

This network will serve as a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and resources to support industry development to be initiated in 2025 to give continuity and momentum for further knowledge exchange.

Conclusion

The completion of the 2024 Protected Cropping Workshop Series marks a milestone in the advancement of WA’s protected cropping industry. By equipping growers with critical technical skills and fostering collaboration across the sector, VegNET WA has laid the groundwork for a more sustainable, efficient, and innovative horticultural industry.

With continued investment in local expertise and targeted training, WA growers can be better positioned to navigate industry challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities.