In collaboration with Defence, Compass Group is exploring high-density farming on base through a new pilot program.
The goal is to drive innovation in food security and sustainability on base through controlled environment agriculture.
This innovation means produce could be grown within meters of the point of use, reducing transportation time, emissions, packaging, and cost. As well this will increase freshness while using less water, nutrients, and fertilizers. Produce is also able to be grown year-round, irrespective of the weather conditions.
The list of sustainability benefits is substantial, including:
- Avoidance of plastic bag and cardboard box usage for transport
- Water usage reduction
- Resilience in supply chain with year-round crop production and remove seasonal constraints
- Reduction of supply chain disruption impact due to climate related weather events or supply/demand challenges
- No chemicals or pesticides
- Elimination of pest contamination, harbourage due to climate and environmental control
"We are excited to confirm that with Defence, we are investing in a pilot to bring the benefits of controlled environment agriculture to Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane," the Compass Group team says.
For more information:
Compass Group
www.compass-group.com