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Agriculture and horticulture

Northern Adelaide Plains Food Region

Delivering over $355 million in farm gate value every year, the Northern Adelaide Plains, primarily located in the City of Playford, is one of the most important and high-tech food growing regions in Australia.

Just minutes from key transport infrastructure and key markets, the Northern Adelaide Plains is ideal for intensive horticulture production as it possesses fertile red-brown sandy soils, a secure water supply, a Mediterranean climate and ideal daylight hours.

The industry is largely comprised of family businesses, some of which have grown into large companies that use advanced processing techniques. The industry is fortunate to possess a skilled workforce that supplies premium products to markets worldwide.

Benefits of the Northern Adelaide Plains Food Region

Largest undercover cropping region

The Northern Adelaide Plains is well recognised as the largest protected cropping region in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 1,000 hectares of greenhouse production, and continues to expand by 100 hectares per year.

Advanced processing

Sizeable businesses have been established for processing large volume crops including potatoes, carrots and onions. These facilities use advanced imaging systems to assess vegetables and incorporate high levels of automation to produce packaged products.

Virginia Horticulture Centre

Located in the main street of Virginia, the Virginia Horticulture Centre is a business facility that provides support, advice and networking opportunities for the primary producers of the region. The main street provides an opportunity to be a significant commercial, retail and community hub for the township. The City of Playford is currently investing in a significant upgrade of the main street including, entry statement, streetscape and intersection improvements.

City of Playford
agriculture
workforce
size: 1,558.
Largest undercover
growing region
in the Southern
Hemisphere.
$355 million
farm gate
value each
year.

A no-barriers approach

The City of Playford:

  • is commercially focused – we have a track record of working in partnership with private and public developers to bring world-class facilities to our community and our state.
  • has dedicated advocacy economic development and planning teams – to assist with realising your vision.
  • takes a no-barriers approach – all major developments are assigned to a senior development officer.

Find out more about the horticulture industry:

Disclaimer

While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, the City of Playford accepts no liability with respect to the accuracy or currency of data or information contained on this page. The information is not investment advice and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation and particular needs. You should seek independent and qualified professional advice.