Horticulture in Australia faces numerous challenges relating to climate change, says Andrew Sutherland with Australian agri-tech start-up Farm 4.0. The technique of Korea based company Green Plus, offers a solution to these challenges, he sees, and that's why he's pleased to announce a 30 year licence agreement with smart farm developer Green Plus. Green Plus CEO Mr Young Hwan Park revealed that the two companies already started planning a strawberry greenhouse of more than 4 ha to be located in Toowoomba, Australia. In 2022, Farm 4.0 will be building their first high-tech smart farm there.
One of the prior realised Green Plus projects: Green K Farm, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do
Climate extremes
"Rapid changes in climate extremes, drought, and inefficient use of precious water create significant challenges for growers all around Australia. These challenges result in wide variation in crop yield and quality, leading to income insecurity and mental health challenges for growers. Recent events have also seen challenges with the ability to source seasonal labour, leading to potential challenges to food security", Andrew Sutherland summed up during yesterdays official launch of farm 4.0, when he explained more on the challenges that Australian growers deal with. "But Australia is not alone in facing these challenges. Transforming modern agriculture to be carbon neutral is a global problem, hence we are more likely to find answers when we collaborate and share best-practice from around the world."
It was in Korea that he found answers to these challenges. "Korea is a world-leader in carbon-efficient high-tech Smart Farming Technology. One of the leading Korean companies in this field is Green Plus. In the last 10 years, Green Plus has successfully built over 400 hectares of high-tech Smart Farms around the world," he shares. With 90% less water usage, 30% of which is recycled, 80% less fertiliser and chemicals, up to 5x the yield per hectare and peak growing conditions 365 days per year, significant reductions (up to 90%) in carbon emissions can be realised. "Green Plus high-tech Smart Farms are able to deliver these outstanding results due to patented greenhouse designs, technical control and farm management systems, and extensive use of renewable energy and water systems," he says, adding that the Green Plus high-tech Smart Farms are also able to grow a wide range of Fruits and Vegetables, making them very adaptable to changing market conditions in Australia.
That's why yesterday the farm 4.0 team was more than pleased to announce they have secured a 30 year licence agreement with Green Plus, granting farm 4.0 the exclusive rights to source, build, operate and sell Green Plus high-tech Smart farms across ANZ. ‘
Australia and New Zealand
A historic moment for Farm 4.0 and GreenPlus, taking the first step towards supplying and building state-of-the-art smart farms across ANZ, said Green Plus CEO Mr Young Hwan Park. "In the past 10 years, Green Plus has built smart farms over 400 ha at home and abroad. Based on this history, we will supply the technology and know-how of high-tech greenhouses throughout ANZ together with Farm4.0."
As the first project to mark the start, Green Plus, together with Farm4.0, has already started planning a strawberry greenhouse of more than 4 ha to be located in Toowoomba, Australia. In 2022, Farm 4.0 will be building their first high-tech Smart Farm at Toowoomba, growing and selling high-quality Strawberries to Retailers in QLD from 2023.
"In this greenhouse, we will achieve innovative production that no one else has achieved through the introduction of Green Plus' patented “up-down gutter system” and “LED lighting” as well as state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities," says Mr Park. "In 2022, Farm 4.0 will be building our first high-tech Smart Farm at Toowoomba, growing and selling high-quality strawberries to retailers in Queensland from 2023."
Climate variability
According to Garth Hamilton, the Federal Member for Groom, one of the biggest challenges for the region’s farming future is climate variability, with their growers only now emerging from years of drought. "Farm 4.0’s use of greenhouse technology to achieve an ideal growing environment will be a great step forward in finding solutions to this problem, so our region can grow high quality produce year-round."
"Agriculture is one of the Toowoomba Region’s major industries, and one I wish to see continue to grow into the future. This will be achieved by farmers leveraging the best new technology to overcome problems and increase their efficiency. We need our land, and those who cultivate it, to work smarter not harder," he explained. "Initiatives such as Farm 4.0 support this vision and fit well within the Morrison Government’s focus on technology and its commitment to investing in research and development for improved agricultural outcomes."
Farm 4.0 will be working closely with the Protected Cropping Industry Association, PCA. Nicky Mann, The Chair of PCA said the emergence of farm 4.0 is an exciting time for the industry. "‘We want to congratulate Farm 4.0 on their exclusive licence agreement with Green-Plus – a well renowned and respected high-tech greenhouse builder from Korea. It is so wonderful to have their wealth of knowledge and expertise in the high-tech glasshouse industry making an impact on the Australian protected cropping sector. Our members will be delighted with more competition and choice in the supply of high-tech greenhouses – which will only have a positive impact on our sector of agriculture."
For more information:
Farm 4.0
Andrew Sutherland
Commercial Director
https://farm40.com.au/
PO Box 3184 Yeronga
QLD 4104 Australia
E Andrew.s@farm40.com.au
GreenPlus
Tel+82-41-332-6421
c.p010-8633-8336
E-mail leehojoon@greenplus.co.kr
www.greenplus.co.kr