Bacchus Marsh glasshouse to boost food production

MEMBER for Eureka Michaela Settle represented Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes to tour and inspect a new glasshouse facility in Bacchus Marsh last week.

Led by Rijk Zwaan Australia, the site will have a focus on developing and growing hardy fruit and vegetable seed strains that will benefit everyday consumers.

The business works in the seed research and development space and aims to help growers problem-solve.

“Food cultivation and agricultural development are key pillars of the regional economy, and it’s wonderful to see Rijk Zwaan well on the way to establishing state-of-the-art facilities that will bolster these sectors,” Ms Settle said.

The glasshouse construction is backed by a State Government grant of $400,000 through Regional Development Victoria. The works also include the establishment of offices, labs and warehouses.

The facility is on a flood plain and has been designed to let water move through with minimal impact on produce or the glasshouse.

It is expected that 40 full-time workers will be employed once the glasshouse is open.

“These facilities mean more jobs and economic growth for Bacchus Marsh, and I look forward to seeing them operational,” Ms Symes said.