The newly renovated Virginia Horticulture Centre is now open and ready to welcome horticulture-related businesses looking for a modern office base in the heart of Virginia’s main street.
Serving as a central hub for the area’s primary industry since 1994, the Centre now offers co-workers 24/7 access to a mix of private offices and shared hot desk spaces, tailored to the needs of the local horticulture sector.
The City of Playford has invested into this upgrade to further support their collaborative work that allows a range of stakeholders to utilise this important industry asset. The modernisation of the space will also allow Playford to maximise their business support services and training activities to be delivered from the building.
The Northern Adelaide Plains Food Cluster, an industry-led group based at the Centre, plays a key role in supporting both family-run and large-scale produce businesses as they navigate the complex and evolving world of intensive horticulture and food production.
Providing local access to training, updating growers with the latest information and working to support the sustainability of the industry are among their objectives.
Cluster Manager Joe Coluccio says the Northern Adelaide Plains region is responsible for one-third of South Australia’s produce and supports a wide range of industries beyond the farm gate.
“From accountants, marketers, service providers and government agencies – everyone contributes to the food production journey,” Joe said.
“The Centre offers a place where these services can connect with growers and the wider industry.”
Cluster Chair Barrie Lloyd says the goal is to continue building on the Centre’s long-standing reputation as a trusted point of contact for local growers.
“Our vision is always for the Centre to be the go-to place for growers– if they have a question, they know they can come here,” he said.
The Centre’s importance was particularly evident after the 2021 hailstorm, an event that caused over $100 million in damage to crops and farm property across South Australia.
“In a crisis, this Centre becomes the meeting point – when people want to know what to do next,” Joe said.
The horticulture industry continues to face emerging threats, such as the tomato brown rugose fruit virus, which caused yield losses of up to 70% across South Australia and Victoria.
“There are pressure points, and we act as a vessel to guide our growers through them,” Joe said.
Creating a collaborative space to connect and solve problems is vital in an industry where many producers often work in isolation.
Mayor Glenn Docherty said the improvements to the Centre are an exciting step in the right direction.
“These recent upgrades allow us to foster a stronger network,” said the Mayor.
“I look forward to hearing more success stories out of the Centre – a place where Council has continued to support and strengthen one of our largest industries.”
Businesses linked to the horticulture sector and seeking an office space in the region are encouraged to get in touch. To express interest, contact Business and Venue Support Officer Jessika Smith at jsmith@playford.sa.gov.au.
