DISCOVER OUR REGION

The Adelaide Plains, located in South Australia, are ancient flood plains nestled between the ecologically vital mangroves of Gulf St Vincent and the foothills of the Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges. The region benefits from diverse and sustainable water sources, including underground limestone reservoirs, Class A recycled water, and mains water from the scenic Mt Lofty Ranges.

YOUR SOURCE FOR FARM-FRESH GOODNESS

HIGH QUALITY PRODUCE

The region’s high-quality produce is highly regarded in Australia’s wholesale markets, prominently at the local
Adelaide Market and across the nation.

The South Australian Produce Market in Pooraka serves as a key hub, where local growers present their produce early in the mornings available for purchase.  Many producers also directly supply leading supermarkets and fruit and vegetable retailers locally and interstate.

GROWING TECHNIQUES ON THE ADELAIDE PLAINS

The Adelaide Plains employ diverse growing techniques to produce high-quality crops. Open-field vegetable farming thrives with efficient irrigation, while greenhouse and hydroponic systems boost yields of capsicums, cucumbers, eggplants, and tomatoes. Almond and olive trees are also significant in the region. Advanced processing facilities use cutting-edge technology to package produce, and the Virginia Pipeline Scheme and new Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme provides sustainable reclaimed water, enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental protection.

  • OPEN FIELD VEGETABLE FARMING

    Open-field vegetable farming is widespread, featuring crops such as potatoes, carrots, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbages, and lettuces. These crops thrive on well-draining soils using both fixed and pivot irrigation systems.

  • UNDERCOVER CROPPING

    Crops like capsicums, cucumbers, eggplants, and tomatoes thrive in greenhouses with plastic tunnels, benefiting from faster growth, higher yields, and longer growing seasons.

    The region is now well recognised as the largest protected cropping region in the Southern Hemisphere with over 1300 hectares of greenhouse production and continues to expand by 100 hectares per year.  Two main approaches are used in undercover cropping: in-ground intensive production in greenhouses, and high technology hydroponics.

  • TREE CROPS

    Almond and olive trees are prevalent in the area, with almond trees offering a beautiful display when in bloom. These trees not only add to the scenic beauty of the region but also contribute significantly to the local economy, providing high-quality nuts and olive oil that are highly sought after in both domestic and international markets.

  • ADVANCED PROCESSING

    The Adelaide Plains serves as a key processing hub for crops such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. Advanced imaging systems and high levels of automation ensure the delivery of quality packaged products to leading supermarkets.

  • SUSTAINABLE WATER SOURCES

    The Virginia Pipeline Scheme (VPS), initiated in 1999, plays a crucial role- by utilising Class A reclaimed water to supplement increasingly saline groundwater. This initiative has significantly expanded the vegetable and tree industries while safeguarding the environment of Gulf St Vincent.

    The VPS, now government-owned, ranks as the world’s second-largest reclaimed water scheme.

  • OTHER AGRICULTURE

    Sheep: Paddocks of sheep provide meat and wool.

    Grains: Broadacre grains include wheat, barley, canola, lentils, field peas, and beans.

    Beef: Cattle graze in paddocks for grass-fed beef, and feedlots produce grain-fed beef for domestic and export markets.

    Poultry: Numerous poultry sheds produce chicken meat and eggs.

Soft Drinks,
Cordials & Syrup
Manufacturing

Meat Product
Manufacturing

VALUE ADD FOODS

Wine

Spirits

Fruit & Vegetable Product
Manufacturing

Bakery Product
Manufacturing

Grain Mill Cereal
Product
Manufacturing

To monitor advancements in South Australia’s primary industries, PIRSA has developed a series of industry scorecards, offering valuable insights into value chain measures of annual performance.

TRACK THE PROGRESS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

DISCOVER MORE

about the history of The­­ Northern Adelaide Plains