Carnarvon to lead the way in the development of better strategies to protect food crops

Government ministers have toured the Carnarvon Research Station as it explores new ways to protect crops from disease and climate uncertainty.

Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis toured the Carnarvon Research Station on Saturday to discuss advances in sub-tropical fruit and vegetable production in the Gascoyne Irrigation Area.

The Gascoyne Irrigation Area makes an important contribution to the State’s fresh food supply and the economy, generating $110 million in wholesale value every year.

The McGowan Government has invested heavily in the station’s controlled environment and protective cropping infrastructure has spurred research to improve growers’ crops.

The new retractable roof production system - which creates a microclimate to evaluate crop management strategies - hosts a range of crop trials to assist local growers to optimise crop potential, including capsicums, tomatoes and zucchinis.

New irrigated agriculture opportunities and growing techniques relevant to other regions are also being explored.

The potential to diversify production systems through new perennial crops is being investigated using the new net house, including high-density mangoes and persimmons on trellis.

Jackfruit trellis and variety trials are also under way as part of a national research collaboration examining strategies to improve cyclone resilience and diversify crop production.

Ms Jarvis said the new upgrades would make Carnarvon a leading research centre.

“The station has the capacity to host a diverse range of small to large trials and demonstration sites, assisting local growers to see first-hand research applied under local conditions to optimise production and new agricultural opportunities,” she said.

Mining and Pastoral MLC Peter Foster has welcomed the input of local growers as a part of the program.

“I am really excited about the great work being done at the station by DPIRD to support our local Carnarvon growers,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing how the 170 plantations nestled along the fertile delta of the Gascoyne River continue to grow and thrive into the future.”