The annual Field Day at the Forthside Vegetable Research Facility, held on 11 December 2024, provides an opportunity for people working in Tasmania's horticulture industry to come together and discover the innovative research underway to support the industry in a changing climate.
Hosted by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) , the Forthside Vegetable Research Facility Field Day aims to make research accessible by getting information into the hands of farmers and agronomists.
"The Forthside Vegetable Research Facility is an important site for Tasmania's agricultural industry as it enables research trials that aren't practical on a commercial farm. It's a site where we can undertake commercially risky trials that can lead to transformational outcomes for industry," Leader of TIA's Horticulture Centre, Associate Professor Nigel Swarts, said.
"Researchers and Higher Degree Research candidates presented on topics ranging from establishing a new Chinese medicinal herbs industry in Tasmania, managing disease and weeds in horticultural crops, agricultural technology developments, improving soil health, and growing value from irrigation."
Dr Swarts said the Field Day included short research updates with opportunities for attendees to ask questions, a Q&A with local growers about agriculture in a changing climate, networking opportunities at an industry expo, and an opportunity to walk around the farm to view current trials.
"Forthside is home to one of the world's longest-running trials looking at soil health under cover crops and we have approximately 20 years' worth of continuous data which is a goldmine for our researchers. The site is currently part of a trial to assess the long-term impact of sea urchin waste on soil health and crop production, and an update on this research was shared at the Field Day," Dr Swarts said.
Dr Swarts said attendees heard about exciting plans for Forthside to become Australia's first zero net emissions horticulture demonstration farm. This follows an announcement by the Tasmanian Government for funding through the Agricultural Innovation Fund.
"Capitalising on TIA's unique expertise in agricultural research, development and extension; the zero net emissions horticulture demonstration farm will be an accessible, real-world example of how alternative and minimum input strategies can be successfully applied at the farm scale," Dr Swarts said.
"By showcasing commercially adaptable alternative strategies that reduce inputs and emissions, we can provide validated evidence that supports adoption of sustainable zero emission farming."
Approximately 80-100 people were expected to attend the Field Day.
