FARMER OF THE YEAR

Horticultural Grower of the Year: Matthew Bailey

Innovation is the aim of the game for Matthew Bailey, and the idea to introduce an insectarium to control pest and disease within his vineyard has been a game-changer.

Kristy Moroney
Horticultural Grower of the Year: Matthew Bailey

The insectarium has reduced chemical inputs without compromising production, quality or the environment, and Matthew is well on the way to creating a sustainable future for his operation in Victoria. Matthew first planted indigenous plants in 2006 to provide a habitat for natural predators. After seeing a dramatic increase in beneficial insects within the first three insectariums, and after moving them closer to the vineyards, it has gone from strength to strength and resulted in a drop of 75% in chemical usage. “The winner is our environment and a more sustainable wine industry,” Matthew said.  

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A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

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