How do you prevent the next big lettuce shortage? Growing plants in disguise could be the answer
When the price of lettuce jumped to $10 due to extreme weather in New South Wales and Queensland, it caused a shockwave across the country, but some farmers in the flood zone were left relatively unscathed – as they grew in the shade. Key points: Protected crops have seen significant growth in Australia over the last 10 years Two Lockyer Valley farmers say protected plantings reduce flood damage on their property Experts say farming under cover is inevitable with more extreme and varied weather events Now experts say protected plantings could be key to keeping cabbages away from burgers and spring rolls in their place and getting farmers back to planting after extreme weather. What are protected plants? Protected crops are the production of horticultural crops under or within structures. It’s more than just a greenhouse according to Paul Gauthier, who is professor of protected plants with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation. He said there are three types of prot