Smart farming: When technology and agriculture collide

There’s more uniting the worlds of STEM and agriculture than you may think, as Velisha Farms explores the future of farming.

The white lab coats and safety glasses of a university science lab may seem a world away from the farmer in boots standing in a paddock.

But third-generation vegetable farmer Catherine Velisha of Velisha Farms has seen the connection between the world of agriculture and the STEM industries, and believes the future of Australian food production lies with cultivating a broader interest in the provenance of food.

Science and technology students at Wyndham Tech University will participate in a new industry project called Smart Farm, connecting students with horticulture industry leaders to break down perceptions of the agriculture industry while educating students in the areas of marketing and agricultural business management.

Ms Velisha said the Smart Farm project was an opportunity to educate people about the business side of an agricultural enterprise.

“I’m really excited about young people understanding there’s so much of a business component to horticultural agriculture,” Ms Velisha said.

“There are so many roles along the supply chain.”

Students will be tasked with growing their own lines of vegetables at the university, before working to find a marketplace for their produce.

It’s through this marketing and business management task that students will learn the operational aspects of an agricultural enterprise, Ms Velisha said.

Velisha Farms is taking part in new education program Smart Farm, better connecting STEM students to the world of agriculture. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“People don’t really think about how business marketing and expertise goes into that side of farming, and how important that is to derive value from it.”

Ms Velisha has operated Velisha Farms at Werribee South for 20 years, and is the third generation of her family to farm vegetables.

“I fundamentally believe there is nothing more important than food, particularly horticulture,” she said.

“I know some of the meat and dairy people might disagree, but vegetables, fruit, vegetables, are what we need to stay in a healthy existence.”