Horticulturalists are experts in maximising crop yields and quality of produce.
Professor Zora Singh checking the quality of a fruit crop.
If you're looking to study in an area that offers loads of career opportunities and literally lets you get your hands dirty, why not study Horticulture?
If you're interested in Science and maybe gardening or what comes out of one, keep reading.
You can now major in Horticulture as part of a Science degree at ECU. It's the only uni in Western Australia offering this specialisation.
The course has been developed by internationally recognised horticulture expert Professor Zora Singh.
Professor Singh is a multi-award-winning researcher, especially in finding ways to minimise produce loss and to improve the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables.
He believes there are enormous opportunities for horticulturalists with the practical expertise and training in an industry on the cusp of a boom.
A WA Government priority
The WA Government has set a goal to double food production in the State by 2025.
Currently, horticulture contributes around $2.6 billion to the WA economy. However recent agreements with Indonesia, as well as free trade agreements being negotiated with India, the European Union and the United Kingdom are likely to provide a further boost.
Professor Singh says that improving efficiencies in the local horticulture industry is key to growing the international export market for WA produce.
And that ECU's horticulture graduates will be in a great position to join an industry which is already crying out for workers with the know-how and skills!
ECU students working in the greenhouse facility at Joondalup Campus.
ECU tackles the war on waste
It's hard to believe, but up to 44 per cent of fresh produce is spoiled before it reaches consumers.
Professor Singh's research and teaching will continue to look for ways to minimise this wastage.
As a student, you'll learn how to improve plant propagation, growth, yields, nutritional value, quality of fruits, vegetables and flowers, and plenty more.
You'll also cover minimising losses in production and supply chain to ensure the delivery of high-quality horticultural fresh produce.
And you'll engage with people in the industry to give you a direct link between your studies and professional practice.
Have we planted a seed for a future career direction?
