By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A REVOLUTIONARY new hydroponic growing facility has delivered 40 new jobs and high-quality produce in Bunyip.
The Kaiteki Fresh farm has the capacity to produce up to eight times as much high-nutrient spinach using high-tech new Japanese growing methods.
The process also uses less water and eliminates the need for pesticides.
The facility was officially opened in July by invited guests including Minister of Agriculture Jaala Pulford and Cardinia Mayor Leticia Wilmot.
It is the culmination of a five-year collaboration between the Victorian Government, Mitsubishi Plastics and the Kaiteki Institute to trial and implement the water-saving technology.
The unique growing method allows the facility to produce 18 or more harvests each year and tap into a market which is experiencing huge growth.
More than half of Australia’s total horticultural exports come from Victoria and the new technology gives the opportunity for further expansion.
Kaiteki Fresh Australia CEO Katsutoshi Ogihara said earlier this year that the facility would cater to an increased demand for high-quality produce.
“Recently, people are becoming more aware of healthier food and where it is derived from in the world, and are seeking environmentally friendly, high quality, safe and secure vegetables,” he said.
“Kaiteki Fresh was established to accelerate the promotion of pesticide-free leafy vegetables grown by the state-of-the-art water-saving hydroponic technology globally and I am thrilled to launch the new company at Melbourne.”
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the facility was a “potential game changer”.
“Our horticultural sector has a bright future – that’s why we’re supporting it to innovate and create jobs,” she said.
“Securing Kaiteki’s new operations confirm our reputation as a global leader in food production and as a state ready to attract and accept investment from across our region.”
The technology gives growers the ability to accurately control temperature as well as levels of water and nutrients to produce premium spinach.
