Australia: From growing field potatoes to hydro lettuce

Even though field growing cannot guarantee you a yield, and protected cropping can, the Australian climate is well suited for growing in the field. In 2010, 89% of the Australian vegetables were field grown (Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses, 2016). However, in February 2016, Baldivis Market Gardens, the Perth based nursery owned and operated by Sam Calameri, had a milestone moment and turned the key on their newly equipped greenhouse to change from the production of potatoes to producing leafy greens.

Background
Baldivis Market Gardens (BMG) has been part of the Australian horticulture industry for over 30 years. This successful family run business is based south of Perth and their focus lies in lettuce and herbs after many years growing potatoes. Specifically, BMG specialise in a triple seeded product (three seeds grown together) which means each product may contain up to three varieties. The company operates from a 7000m² greenhouse. BMG have partnered closely with Powerplants since 2012, working on various projects over the last few years. The new project recently completed, which was supplied and installed by Powerplants and partnered by Priva and Cravo, has been operating since February 2016.

Challenge
Originally Sam Calameri was a field grower with potatoes being his primary crop. When the Western Australian Government deregulated the potato industry, there was a need to diversify the business and a decision was made to commence producing a guaranteed product in a protected environment with minimal labour. Powerplants were contacted to consult on this decision based on the experience that they have had with transforming other field based growers to protected environment growing. The challenge was to produce the best product in the quickest timeframe, with the best quality and minimal labour.

Solution
The solution delivered was to use a modern technology climate control system, in conjunction with a retractable roof greenhouse, to provide a flexible growing environment. The products used in the project include a Cravo A-frame, Priva Connext, Priva Vialux, 2 TD-30 Dosing systems and circulation fans. The installation took two weeks to commission and was undertaken by Powerplants technician Matt Wade. Sam was looking to diversify his business and use modern methods for growing. The combination of automation allowed him to reliably produce maximum numbers of lettuce and herbs with good shelf life with minimal labour. He can now grow his crops with minimal staff doing repetitive work.

Benefits
Sam is now growing different products than he was previously, which allowed him to open up to a new market. He can now grow lettuce from the seedling to the finished product in three weeks, and less staff is needed reducing Sam’s costs. According to Sam “Powerplants stayed in regular contact and supported us throughout the whole project. They actually managed not only their own part of the project, but also all other suppliers.” Alastair McLean (Powerplants Technical and Account Manager WA) managed the project and says: “Congratulations to Sam and his team, and thanks to Cravo and Priva for their help in designing the entire solution.”

Read the full case study here.

For more information:
Powerplants Australia
Alastair McLean
Technical & Account Manager SA & WA
+61 405761045
alastair@powerplants.com.au
www.powerplants.com.au