Minister of Agriculture Adam Marshall and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today opened the $2.1 million state-of-the-art glasshouse precinct at the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station.
Mr Marshall said the new facility would advance the State’s research and development capabilities, enabling new science to help increase the productivity and profitability of the agriculture sector.
“We know our farmers are the world’s best, and by investing in research programs here in Cowra, we give them a platform to become even better,” Mr Marshall said.
“Our primary industries sector faces significant challenges, including climate change, drought, fires, water scarcity, as well as pests and disease.
“This purpose-built facility will allow DPI to undertake research projects to assist farmers meet these challenges and ensure they are profitable and sustainable well into the future.”
Ms Cooke said the NSW DPI researchers at Cowra were world leaders in the new crop production area of perennial grains and have been conducting research in this area for nearly a decade.
“The new facilities will enable this work to expand and potentially provide new crops and alternative markets for local producers,” Ms Cooke said.
“The research carried out at this new facility will have state-wide benefits as it will allow investigations into everything from tropical pasture grasses, which have the potential to significantly improve summer stock feed supply, through to pasture legumes through experiments using the controlled climate capacity of the facility.
“Even better is the fact the glasshouse was built by a Central West-based construction company.”
Mr Marshall said this research helped build stronger primary industries and cemented NSW as a world leader in agriculture, fisheries and biosecurity research.
“The new glasshouse and granary facilities at Cowra are part of a $100 million package we have invested into research infrastructure across the State to support our world-class food and fibre production,” Mr Marshall said.
