Growing a sustainable future for Australian agriculture

5 November 2025

A new ARC Research Hub will advance protected cropping systems to boost sustainability, productivity, and resilience in Australian agriculture.

Senator Lisa Darmanin stands beside another person at a table filled with fresh herbs, leafy greens, and vegetables, engaging in discussion at the ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) launch event. A green PC Hub banner is visible in the background, along with lush indoor plants.

Senator Lisa Darmanin learns about protected cropping innovations at the ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) launch event, surrounded by fresh produce and industry experts. Image: Supplied.

The ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) has officially launched, bringing together researchers, growers, and industry leaders to tackle one of the most promising areas in sustainable agriculture.

Supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Hub unites experts across disciplines under a clear mission: to deliver practical solutions for growers, communities, and the nation.

A new era for sustainable horticulture

Protected cropping systems allow farmers to grow high-quality produce with fewer inputs while shielding crops from pests, disease, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change. Despite these benefits, only 17% of horticultural production in Australia currently use these systems.

The Hub aims to change that. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, it will help Australian growers increase yield and quality, develop premium food products and plant-based medicines, and embed sustainability into every layer of agricultural practice.

Professor Chris Pakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Industry Engagement) at La Trobe University (right), and Professor Alastair McEwan, ARC Executive Director, Biological Sciences and Biotechnology (left), standing and conversing with others around a small round table with a potted plant, at the ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) launch event. The setting includes a brick wall and leafy indoor plants in the background.
ARC Executive Director, Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Professor Alastair McEwan and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Industry Engagement) at La Trobe University Professor Chris Pakes in discussion with colleagues at the ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) launch event. Image: Supplied.

ARC Executive Director, Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Professor Alastair McEwan attended the launch.

‘Protected cropping is an agricultural innovation – and it’s a national imperative. By investing in these systems, we’re safeguarding Australia’s food supply, strengthening our environment, and supporting healthier communities for generations to come,’ Professor McEwan said.  

‘This Hub is about more than growing crops – it’s about growing Australia’s resilience. The solutions developed here will help secure our food future, protect our environment, and deliver real benefits to every Australian.’

The Hub’s work has the potential to deliver a wide range of benefits – from creating new jobs and industries in regional communities to helping farmers adopt more sustainable practices and develop premium products for global markets. By focusing on strategic priorities like food security and climate resilience, the Hub also ensures that innovation benefits all Australians.

Professor Tony Bacic, holding a microphone, speaks to an audience at the ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) launch event. The scene features lush green plants, a table with fresh produce and kitchen items in the foreground, and a green PC Hub banner in the background. A group of attendees stands and listens among the greenery.
Director of the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF) and Director of the ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping Professor Tony Bacic FAA, addresses attendees at the PC Hub launch event. Image: Supplied.

Learn more about the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub). 

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