One of the state’s biggest agricultural success stories is celebrating six decades of teaching agricultural science.
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) is a partnership between the State Government and the University of Tasmania.
The University’s decades of work in agricultural related teaching, research, development and extension was recognised as part of the annual TIA field day at the Forthside Vegetable Research Facility in the state’s North West.
Members of the vegetable industry, researchers and industry supporters gathered for an opportunity to learn and connect, recognising the contribution of those in agricultural science in Tasmania over the past six decades.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jo Palmer said Tasmania’s agricultural sector continues to thrive through research, development and extension, which is essential for the ongoing success of the industry.
“We know how important agriculture is to our economy and the social fabric of our communities,” Minister Palmer said.
“We acknowledge the commitment and vision of those who established agricultural science teaching at the University in 1963.
“Today the TIA Forthside Vegetable Research Facility continues to play a key part in the industry’s achievements through conducting vital research, developing practical solutions and supporting innovation, enabling Tasmania’s vegetable sector to thrive.
“The thriving agricultural industry we see today is the result of the dedication and passion of so many people over so many years, and the strong relationship between industry, Government and the University of Tasmania is major part of our success.”
Since 2018, the Rockliff Liberal Government has provided $5 million to upgrade the Forthside Research Facility and the TIA Dairy Research Facility in Elliott. Combined with the investment by the University of Tasmania, these projects have totalled over $7 million.
As part of the upgrade to Forthside, SMART (Sustainable, Manageable, Accessible Rural Technology) Farm technologies have been installed providing farmers the opportunity to see and interact with new technologies as they consider investments and developments on their own properties.
The TIA Forthside Vegetable Research Facility plays a key role in the Rockliff Liberal Government’s strategy to sustainably grow the annual farm gate value of Tasmanian agriculture to $10 billion dollars by 2050.
