More fresh food! Food Ladder’s ‘protected agriculture’ – Practical technology fit for purpose, people & place

Imagine a ‘lettuce’ took six weeks to reach your store and had to travel up to 4000km to get there? What would it look and taste like?  That’s something people in remote areas often face. But new generation “protected agriculture” hydroponic growing systems offer powerful options to schools and communities who want to grow and enjoy more fresh food where they live. Food Ladder are helping grow practical change on the ground to help make more fresh food possible in extreme growing conditions and environments. 

In this episode hear from Scott McDonald, Horticulture and Training Manager, Food Ladder, about the inspiring, practical work they do with schools and communities across Australia to produce more fresh food to increase the availability and affordability of  fresh food, and to support communities to learn new skills and build community based solutions to food insecurity.

Food Ladder works to empower future generations to grow food in the community, to improve nutrition whilst protecting the environment and enhancing the local economy. A not-for-profit organization, Food Ladder gives people the tools to stop hunger and malnourishment.  

Food Ladder’s horticulture and business experts offer support throughout the process and leave behind a sustainable food system, which has health, educational and economic benefits. 

Scott’s career in horticulture and related industries extends over 30 years, 25 years of which have been in Australia’s Northern Territory.  For the last 20 years, Scott has been a lecturer in Horticulture and Rural Operations for Charles Darwin University, with much of that time as the Head of Department. With a focus on productive and sustainable landscapes, Scott has been involved in numerous projects, including: aquaponic production systems, trials and research of traditional Papua New Guinean vegetables, and an award winning underground water harvesting system for a small production nursery.

Scott has worked with many Indigenous communities, assisting them to establish and maintain food gardens, as well as overseeing the development and daily operations of the food gardens at Charles Darwin University. It’s his long-term commitment to sustainable food production and the career development of people of all ages and backgrounds, that led him to join Food Ladder.

Bravo Scott and Food Ladder – fabulous to reconnect and speak with you!

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