Goodness Grown is constructing a 20-hectare high-tech greenhouse, delivering a consistent supply of premium gourmet and Roma tomatoes while setting new benchmarks in efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
At the heart of the development is an advanced greenhouse designed to optimize plant growth and productivity in all seasons. The structure incorporates low-iron diffused glass with double anti-reflective coatings, allowing plants to thrive even under the intense Australian summer sun while maximizing light penetration in winter. This ensures consistently high-quality yields year-round.
A 1MW solar energy system will provide renewable power from day one, while significant progress has been made toward establishing an onsite bioenergy plant. This facility is expected to convert local dairy and food waste into biogas for heating and CO₂ enrichment within the greenhouse, enhancing plant productivity while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Once operational, this system will play a critical role in cutting emissions, repurposing agricultural by-products, driving circularity, and supporting a carbon-neutral production model.
Operational efficiency is a key focus, with advanced automation integrated across the greenhouse. AI-driven plant health and pest monitoring systems will provide real-time insights to optimize growing conditions and proactively manage crop risks. Robotic pollination will enhance productivity, while automated post-harvest grading and packing systems will ensure streamlined operations. In addition to bulk produce, the facility will deliver value-added, consumer-ready products, supporting evolving retail and food service demands.
Situated in Tongala, Victoria, the farm benefits from an ideal climate for high-tech greenhouse production while also being positioned within one of Australia's largest dairy regions. This provides a steady supply of organic waste for future bioenergy production while also offering direct access to major consumer markets. With strong transport links to Melbourne, Sydney, and key distribution hubs, Goodness Grown is well-placed to deliver fresher produce with reduced food miles, ensuring peak quality for retailers and consumers. Additionally, the development will contribute to the growth and prosperity of regional communities by creating skilled job opportunities, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the agricultural economy in northern Victoria.
Maintaining a clean and controlled growing environment is also central to the farm's design. The facility incorporates the latest biosecurity measures, including strict hygiene protocols, controlled access points, and advanced pest and disease risk mitigation strategies. With a strong emphasis on biological controls and mechanical solutions, reliance on pesticides and fungicides is minimized, ensuring safer, more sustainable crop management.
"This project is not just about growing tomatoes—it's about setting a new standard for sustainable, high-tech horticulture," says Paul Geurtsen, Managing Director and co-founder of Goodness Grown. "By integrating cutting-edge technology, circular economy principles, and a focus on efficiency, this development is demonstrating that large-scale fresh food production can be both highly productive and environmentally responsible."
For more information:
Goodness Grown
goodnessgrown.com.au/