PREFACE

Since a considerable degree of interest was shown in the idea of holding a workshop in Australia, a meeting of a somewhat different kind was orgainzed. In order to see as much as possible of the various forms of technology in use in the country, a full two weeks was allowed for the workshop, with the time being equally devided between formal presentation and discussions on the one hand, and visits to greenhouse operations, research and educational institutions and solar fruit drying facilities on the other.

The workshop began with a 4 day meeting in coastal Queensland, about 100 km south of Brisbane, a centre of greenhouse production for sub-tropical foliage plants and flowers, using conventional and solar greenhouses. Participants then travelled south by chartered bus visiting more solar greenhouse facilities and a large solar fruit drying complex. A weekend break in Sydney allowed participants to enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour and to visit the Opera House and other theatrical performances.

The tour proceeded inland to Griffith visiting another large solar greenhouse on the way. Two days of formal sessions were held at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization's Research Division at Griffith, where solar greenhouse technology has been researched for 12 years.

The final stage of the tour was from Griffith to Melbourne, visiting on the way the Irrigation Research Institute at Tatura, where the performance of a modern commercial solar greenhouse is being monitored.

In Melbourne, discussion meetings were held at the Victorian College of Agriculture and Horticulture where research is being conducted into both water-based and air-based solar greenhouses. Participants also visited a large commercial greenhouse operation where a range of temperate plants are being produced. Also visited were a manufacturer of solar equipment, the Victorian Solar Energy Council and the Solar Energy Research Centre at the University of Melbourne.

Although the number of fulltime participants was not large because of the cost of travel to Australia, the actual number of overseas participants exceeded the expectations of the organizers and was most gratifying. The participation of Australians was strictly limited to scientists actually working in the fields of greenhouse technology and solar energy utilization. All agreed that this workshop was an outstanding success.

Special thanks are due to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, the Victorian College of Agriculture and Horticulture and the Irrigation Research Institue, together with the owners and operators of the various commercial enterprises that were visited.

Keith GARZOLI
Convenor