FFS executes $6.8m ‘Crop monitoring’ project
In a major industry-research collaboration co-funded by the FFS, scientists at Western Sydney University will work with urban-farm outfit Vertical Patch, Episteme Solutions and NSW DPI to explore novel solutions for monitoring glasshouse-grown crops in near-real-time, laying the foundation for a decision support system enabling seamless automated production.
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National protected cropping map project proves its worth during recent biosecurity breaches
The near-completed map of Australia’s protected cropping facilities is already showing its value as an early-alert system with the recent Varroa mite incursion in NSW. Now, the research team is calling for further stakeholder feedback in the lead-up to the map's release.
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Industry research summit helps set priorities for protected cropping R&D
Hort Innovation and Protected Cropping Australia gathered stakeholders from around the nation including FFS Program 2 lead Dist. Prof. David Tissue, in Melbourne in March to develop an R&D investment program that drives delivery of the Australian Protected Cropping Strategy 2021-2030 and advances smart, sustainable growth in the sector.
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VIDEO: Distinguished Professor David Tissue, crop and environmental expert
National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre Director and FFS Program 2 lead David Tissue is excited about the role research-industry collaboration plays in driving practical innovation in Australia’s protected cropping systems. Here, he talks about the ongoing trials of new retrofit films that aim to reduce heat and boost growth and yield in glasshouse-grown crops, involving Western Sydney University scientists, Hort Innovation, various industry partners and FFS.
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Meet Brajesh Singh: soil biology and functional ecology expert
He’s a world-leading plant microbiologist and Director of the Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment. Distinguished Professor Singh also leads an FFS project developing bio-based solutions to control key root pathogens affecting Australia’s greenhouse horticulture crops.
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Priyanka Kundu, PhD: Developing precision-fermented dairy proteins
FFS-backed doctoral student Priyanka Kundu studied science and biotechnology at Varanasi’s Banaras Hindu University and worked for Biocon Research Ltd before joining some of Australia’s brightest scientific minds at UNSW Sydney, investigating bovine dairy proteins to help All G Foods perfect eco-friendly, 100% vegan dairy products.
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Save the date: FFS Research Showcase (27 July)
ur annual research webinar, showcasing some of FFS’ most innovative and exciting projects, is scheduled for Thursday 27 July 2023 from 1pm AEST. The online event will feature program and project leads as well as industry partners and PhDs. Topics will run the gamut from agrifood-hub planning to greenhouse tech to cutting-edge food science. Save the date and watch this space for details.
