Intensive berry production using greenhouses, substrates and

hydroponics. Is this the way forward?

Nicky Mann 2014 Australian Nuffield Farming Scholar

3 Kids (cheap labour)– Zinzan, Tayne and Oregan 6000m² multi-span greenhouses:- hydroponic roses, raspberries and blueberries 2 retail shops plus tourism

Objectives • Overview the berry industry in Australia and abroad • Look at :-

• Protected Cropping Structures • Containers and Substrates • Hydroponic systems

• Compare the pros and cons of protected cropping vs traditional growing methods

• Analyse the different berry crops • Formulate a recommendation to growers in the Australian industry

considering intensive berry production in greenhouses with substrates and hydroponics

Global perspective of the berry industry

Source: USA Fresh Fruit Categories (Source: IRI/Freshlook Marketing, 52 Weeks 14/6/2015)

Trends in consumption and production in Australia and abroad

(Source: J. Eccles, CEO, RABA at PCA 2015 Conference) (Source: 2008 World Blueberry Acreage and Production Report by Cort Brazelton, February 2011)

Protected Cropping Structures for Intensive Berry Production

New Zealand Spain Victoria, Australia

Netherlands Philippines Mexico

Substrates for Intensive Berry Production

Containers for Intensive Berry Production

Portugal

Hydroponic Systems for Intensive Berry Production

Keelings Ireland California, USA

Cressy, Tasmania Massey Uni, New Zealand Port Macquarie

Woongarrah

Pros of protected cropping, hydroponics and substrates of berry crops vs. traditional methods

New Zealand

New Zealand

Netherlands

Cons of protected cropping, hydroponics and substrates of berry crops

Scorching in New Zealand

Raspberry harvester

Dust on leaves

Comparative Results with “Aurora” (Northern Highbush Blueberry Variety)

Year Conventional Yield (kg/ha)

Substrate Yield (kg/ha)

1 1650 7500

2 3300 15000

3 4950 22500

4 6600 30000

5 8250 37500

From Presentation by Peter van Dijk, Blueberry Consultant – The Netherlands March 2015

Greenhouse production of Strawberries

• High – tech glasshouse • Hanging gutters/suspended single table tops • Troughs filled and mounded with coco-peat

• Bumble bee* and honey bees for pollination • Costs = A$450 per m² • 15 year return on investment

• 15kg per m²

*Bumble bees not available in mainland Australia

Greenhouse production of blueberries

• Retractable roof and side vents for climate control and pollinators

• 40 ltr polyweave bags

• Coco-peat, Irish peat moss, perlite and

Mycorrhizae • A$100 per m²

• Yields:-

• 1kg per plant 1st year • 3kg per plant 2nd year, • 5kg per plant 3rd year • 10kg per plant thereafter

• Bending, pinching and pruning system

Our farm, NSW

Greenhouse production of rubusˠ

• Coco-peat blend with Trichoderma

• 10 ltr pots with good aeration at base • Costs - A$100 per m² • Double cropping of primo-canes in 1st year

• Yields of 2kg per plant • 20 tonnes first class fruit • 3 stem system in linear trellising

ˠ Rubus = Raspberries and Blackberries

Belgium

Key Findings:- • Timing • Minimizing risk • Consistency of supply and quality – early, late and without interruption • Efficient and effective use of labour • Water and nutrient saving • Farming land is limited and this method means berries can be grown

anywhere due to the use of substrate and protective structures

Lufa Farms, Montreal, Canada Driscoll’s Watsonville, USA

Unexpected Findings:- • Methyl bromide still used in USA • Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) • Control of genetics by a few powerful breeders and marketing companies • Honey bees as pollinators • How well raspberries travel from South Africa to United Kingdom • Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage

Is this the future of intensive berry production?

Thank-you for your attention!

For more information contact:-

Nicky Mann

Mobile: (0404) 921 209

E-mail: nickymann125@gmail.com