THERE are so many trials, so many experiments, so many different groups searching for answers to the many varied questions of how to improve the food we eat.
Gardening that’s done differently, improving the way food is grown, increasing the yield, a larger or sweeter fruit, a bug free vegetable.
Constantly looking for changes that can allow more food to be grown in a given area and of a better quality.
So today, here are some projects that may have escaped your attention, happening right now in Australia.
A team at the Department of Agriculture and fisheries (DAF) research station have spent eight years developing a “white” and a “pink” variety strawberry with a Pina Colada taste and are now a step closer to them being stocked on super market shelves.
Dr Neil said that these were bred from a white species growing wild in Chile and have lots of flavour.
Meanwhile sheep grazing under solar panels at farms on the NSW central coast have produced better wool and more of it in the four years since the project began.
Farmers say that the sheep keep the grass down under the solar panels, which in turn provided the animals with shade and shelter, while also preventing the soil from drying out underneath.
Drones are being used more frequently for all sorts of working situations.
They are now used for planting trees at the (Mt. Annon) Australian Botanical Gardens, to combat the highly invasive African olive tree.
Over 40,000 seeds a day can be planted saving heaps of manpower in the process.
While today many farmers are using drones to round up their sheep and cattle in areas that have difficult terrain or to check on their animal’s welfare and their water situation.
Qantas are currently developing meat free burgers, Bolognese and schnitzels, as part of their menu in their lounges and on-board flights.
Designed to taste and look like real meat it will be combined with other plant based dishes and will be used as a vegan alternative.
In previous columns there has been mention made of the many innovative ideas that people have thought of, like vertical gardens and foliar sprays made from inferior or discarded sheep fleece.
Floating farms in the Netherlands housing animals and productive gardens in a three story floating arrangement.
Certain types of mushrooms are being grown to hopefully become alternative therapies for those suffering from PTSD and other related conditions.
Scientists are trialing food plants and gardens in space vehicles as a food source for the long journey to far distant planets.
Our shopping habits in the future will be a lot different with “dark stores”, and innovative ways of paying for your groceries, maybe even without a cashier. Just your phone. If Samsung and LG have anything to do with it, your future home will include an extra fridge, for your own vegetables and herb growing, which will regulate light and growing conditions, so you can enjoy the produce you love all year round.
Till next time.
