OUR HISTORY

Explore the rich history of our region.

The Adelaide Plains have evolved from a cereal and livestock district in the 1850s into a premier food production zone by the 1950s, and now stand as a hub of agricultural innovation. Today, alongside traditional crops, the region excels in greenhouse and hydroponic farming.

Advanced processing facilities ensure efficient packaging, enhancing productivity while protecting the environment of Gulf St Vincent.

WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION

1850s - World War II

Initially a cereal and livestock district from the 1850s until World War II, the region produced significant volumes of hay, dairy, and meat products for the growing city of Adelaide.

1950s

The Adelaide Plains emerged as a premium food production zone in the 1950s and has since become a leader in intensive food production. The introduction and expansion of irrigation in the 1950s and 60s enabled the production of potatoes, onions, carrots, and glasshouse crops.

1960s

Tomatoes became successful in the 1960s, especially in the Melbourne market. This era saw the development of packing sheds, diversifying local employment from farmhand to shed hand, and cementing the Adelaide Plains as a reliable horticultural zone.

1980s

The 1980s brought a significant wave of Vietnamese and Cambodian migrants, catalysing the growth of the greenhouse industry. Continental cucumber production expanded, complementing greenhouse tomatoes and capsicums. The region’s first continental cucumber wrapping machine was introduced in Virginia, improving the quality and shelf-life of cucumbers, and enabling smaller growers to supply large volumes to major supermarkets. Today, the Adelaide Plains boasts the largest greenhouse cucumber industry in Australia.

Sourced From: History of Agriculture in SA

1990s

The 1990s marked further transformation with a shift from glass to plastic houses and the introduction of hydroponic growth. The Virginia Pipeline Scheme, introduced in the late 90s, provided recycled water, unlocking the potential of previously unsuitable land and reducing reliance on underground water.

Current

Today, the agriculture industry is experiencing rapid evolution driven by technology. From precision farming and automated machinery to satellite mapping and AI-driven analytics, technology is revolutionising how crops are grown, monitored, and harvested. Innovations like drones for crop surveillance, smart irrigation systems that optimise water usage, and genetic engineering for improved crop resilience are reshaping agricultural practices worldwide.