A new report commissioned by Hort Innovation – and delivered by RM Consulting Group (RMCG) in consultation with growers, University of Technology Sydney and Agritecture – considers effective urban farming applications being utilised overseas, in the Australian context.

BACKGROUND

High-technology horticulture is being implemented in urban areas internationally to serve a variety of purposes including economic development, community engagement and environmental benefits.

Systems include vertical farm systems, container farms, glasshouses, and nearly fully automated production. Amongst the global landscape, Australia has been slow to take up high-technology horticulture due to several barriers including high initial capital investment, zoning limitations, lower population densities and lack of experience in the industry. However, there is growing interest in how high technology horticulture in an urban environment could complement existing production systems.

This project has assessed new and emerging technology and its application in the Australian urban landscape to:

• Assess the feasibility of high technology horticulture in urban Australia considering technology opportunities, regulatory and planning factors, farm input and waste management and the supply chain.
• Identify key opportunities and challenges relating to environmental and social benefits.
• Recommend how the Australian horticulture industry can realise opportunities and build the capacity of this sector.