United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 2: Zero hunger
University access to local farmers and food producers. Provide access to university facilities (eg labs, technology, plant stocks) to local farmers and food producers to improve sustainable farming practices.
UniSC actively supports local farmers and food producers by providing access to its state-of-the-art facilities, fostering collaboration and innovation in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.
1. Research laboratories and analytical equipment
Local producers can engage with UniSC’s analytical labs for soil, water, and plant tissue testing. These facilities help farmers better understand nutrient profiles, pest pressures, and environmental conditions, enabling more sustainable and precise farming decisions. For example, the Centre for Bioinnovation offers access to molecular tools for plant and soil health diagnostics.
2. Controlled environment agriculture facilities
UniSC’s greenhouses and growth chambers allow for experimentation with crop varieties, irrigation techniques, and climate-resilient farming systems. These facilities are used in collaborative trials with producers to test regenerative practices and drought-tolerant crops.
3. Aquaculture and Marine Science labs
Local aquaculture operators benefit from UniSC’s aquaculture research tanks and water quality labs, which support trials on sustainable feed, disease management, and integrated aquaculture systems. These facilities are often used in partnership projects with industry and government.
4. Plant stock and germplasm access
UniSC maintains a collection of native and cultivated plant stocks, including climate-resilient and nutritionally valuable species. These are shared with producers through research collaborations and community planting initiatives, supporting biodiversity and food security.
5. Digital and AgTech resources
Farmers can access UniSC’s GIS mapping tools, drone technology, and IoT sensor systems through joint research projects or training programs. These technologies help monitor crop health, optimize irrigation, and reduce input waste.
6. Collaborative spaces and innovation precincts
Facilities such as the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast and UniSC’s involvement in Turbine provide shared spaces for producers to co-develop solutions with researchers, access prototyping equipment, and participate in food innovation programs.
UniSC’s commitment to sustainability is further highlighted by its values that include supporting local communities and promoting sustainable practices. The university’s efforts include providing educational resources, conducting research on sustainable agriculture, and facilitating community engagement activities. These initiatives not only benefit local farmers but also contribute to the broader goal of creating a more sustainable and resilient food system.
In addition to providing access to physical facilities, UniSC fosters a collaborative environment where farmers, researchers, and students can work together on innovative projects. This collaborative approach not only enhances the practical knowledge of sustainable farming but also encourages the exchange of ideas and best practices. Through workshops, seminars, and hands-on training sessions, UniSC helps local farmers stay updated with the latest advancements in agricultural technology and sustainability. This holistic support system empowers farmers to adopt more sustainable practices, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
Summary
UniSC actively supports local farmers and food producers by providing free access to its state-of-the-art facilities and expertise to improve sustainable farming practices.