That was one of the messages to come out of a public information meeting held last week about Nectar Farms’ proposed glasshouse operation.

The company wants to build three high-tech glasshouses on 45 hectares on Lowes Mount Road, just north of Borg Industries.

The glasshouses will produce high-yield premium hydroponic vine crops including tomatoes, eggplants and capsicums.

Nectar Farms director Miles Sterrick said “smart farming” 

technology had the potential to increase Australian food security and deliver on the much-vaunted promise of Australia as the food bowl for Asia.

Mr Sterrick is also focused on the social impact Nectar Farms can have on Oberon.  

“Our mission is to be the leading glasshouse operation in Australia, but we are also committed to bringing employment, training and innovation to regional communities,” he said. 

“In Oberon we plan to invest $120 million over the next four years and create over 500 jobs when operational.

“There are many benefits to hydroponic 

production – approximately 10 times the output of field-grown produce using significantly less water and no chemical pesticides whilst producing excellent high grade produce.”

Mr Sterrick said the company had chosen Oberon because its climate was perfect – not too warm and humid to attract pests and require cooling, but also not too cold.

“Oberon is just right,” he said.

“Oberon is only 2.5 hours from Sydney’s market distribution hub – stock will stay fresher longer.

“We’ve assembled a really experienced team to make this happen and we’re utilising the very 

latest glasshouse technology from the Netherlands.

“The Dutch are the leaders in this type of development.”

Mayor Kathy Sajowitz said Oberon was excited about Nectar Farms’ choice to develop in the town and she hoped other companies would recognise Oberon’s potential.

“The impact on employment, population growth and retail benefits are enormous,” she said.

Mr Sterrick said Nectar Farms can’t wait to work with the Oberon community to make this project happen.