Apex Greenhouses has recently commissioned a new state of the art research and training facility at its Australian headquarters within the intensive horticulture area of Virginia, SA. The hypermodern 1,000sqm facility is split in 2 compartments and features the most cutting edge technologies including mechanical cooling, C02 injection, LED lights, semi closed chambers and air ducts along with a Priva Connext climate computer and Stolze irrigation system.
© Apex Greenhouses (Australia) Pty Ltd
Folco Faber, CEO of Apex Greenhouses says the following; "We are immensely proud of the investment we have made into this facility. It's our chance to give back to Australian growers and industry that has supported us and give them a dedicated facility with an "open door" policy that they are welcome to visit anytime. Additionally, there are very few greenhouse builders worldwide who operate their own in house research facility and now we can proudly say we are part of that elite group."
In conjunction with Hort Innovation Frontiers, who are part funding the facility, Apex will undertake to deliver a 7 year research and training program. Initial activities include a stop on the Protected Cropping Australia Farm Tour on Thursday 31st June. The following day on Friday 1st August there will be a full day of training, delivered by Plant Empowerment. The training, presented by Ton Habraken is ideal for growers, greenhouse managers, and horticultural advisors seeking to optimize crop production using data-driven strategies aligned with the Plant Empowerment principles. Limited places remain available to attend this training (see details below). An introduction to the principles of Plant Empowerment — Applied Horticultural Research.
© Apex Greenhouses (Australia) Pty Ltd
Initial crops planted in the facility included several TOBRFV tolerant tomato varieties from Rijk Zwaan, important given the recent outbreak experienced in Australia. Additionally, there is one compartment dedicated to high tech strawberry growing, with 3 different varieties being trialled. "We see high tech berry production as being important part of the future protected cropping industry in Australia. There are many questions from field and tunnel growers as to the economic viability of berries in high tech facilities within Australia so hopefully we can provide these growers with some valuable information as to what we are able to achieve within a high tech environment." Says Folco.
"We look forward to welcoming people next week!"
For more information:
Apex Greenhouses
[email protected]
apexgreenhouses.com
