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A groundbreaking advancement in agricultural technology was unveiled by the Agriculture and Food Minister for Western Australia, who inaugurated a cutting-edge high-tech glasshouse in Albany. Valued at AU$1.3 million, this state-of-the-art facility, located within the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s site, promises to revolutionise critical research efforts in safeguarding and enhancing the region’s valuable agriculture sector.
Designed to operate in a controlled environment, this futuristic glasshouse offers year-round accessibility to scientists specialising in grains, pasture, and horticulture agronomy, entomology, and soil research. With an emphasis on the integration of technology, this facility seamlessly complements traditional field trials, unlocking the ability to isolate and study essential variables that were previously impractical to control directly in the paddock. This newfound capability is crucial for gaining deeper insights into plant responses and enhancing agricultural practices.
The glasshouse has been purpose-built and equipped with cutting-edge technologies, serving as a breeding ground for innovation in agricultural research. Its modern equipment empowers researchers to undertake twice the number of experiments, significantly boosting the likelihood of success.
This technology represents a pivotal step forward, as it bridges the gap between traditional agricultural practices and the application of advanced technologies, ensuring a more sustainable and prosperous future for Western Australia’s agriculture sector.
In a significant development for agricultural research and industry collaboration, Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis has inaugurated the advanced Albany glasshouse. The state-of-the-art facility, funded with $1.3 million, aims to facilitate collaborative research between the public and private sectors, with a primary focus on enhancing WA’s production systems to benefit the industry.
The Albany glasshouse joins a suite of recently upgraded agricultural research facilities by the WA Government, including the Northam Grains Research Facility, South Perth diagnostic laboratories, Merredin laboratories, and the Carnarvon Research Station.
The growth of the grains industry in the Great Southern and South Coast regions underscores the need for top-notch facilities that can assist local growers in tackling challenges and capitalising on opportunities.
The Minister highlighted the potential of the Albany glasshouse to drive pioneering advancements in agriculture, offering a controlled environment for year-round research in various fields such as grains, pasture, horticulture agronomy, entomology, and soil research.
Equipped with modern infrastructure and cutting-edge equipment, the glasshouse enables researchers to conduct a greater number of experiments and improve success rates, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and progress throughout Western Australia.
The Agriculture and Food Minister of Western Australia expressed that the recently unveiled Albany glasshouse would prove to be a remarkable asset for grains, pasture, and horticulture research in the region. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to lead to more precise and efficient outcomes while reducing costs and accelerating research progress.
The Minister highlighted that the newly constructed building is fully equipped with modern, high-spec amenities, enabling scientists to maintain a leading edge in agricultural research.
Furthermore, the Government’s commitment to prioritising research and development was emphasised, with significant investments made in infrastructure and assets throughout the State. These efforts are aimed at bolstering the competitiveness of primary industries on an international scale.
The Albany MLA expressed great enthusiasm upon learning that the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Albany office was selected as the location for this vital research infrastructure.
The MLA acknowledged that the glasshouse stands as a testament to the Cook Government’s dedication to maintaining Western Australia’s agricultural sector as a global leader, ensuring its continued competitiveness on the international stage.
