Growing Agriculture through Science
HORTACTIX
Who Are We?
Hortactix (ABN: 12567722513) is managed by experienced agricultural research scientists. We have gained experience over the years developing and leading industry based research projects with external funding bodies such as RIRDC, HAL and ACIAR. Funds contributed to Hortactix through Ecoganic's are used to develop and where appropriate commission research into practical science based eco-friendly farming systems. Full resumes can be accessed on request of any of the Hortactix team member.
David Astridge (Managing Director)
David has over 23 years experience as an applied scientist. For the past 19 years, David has worked as a regional research scientist developing integrated pest management systems for tropical and sub-tropical horticulture in Qld, NT and NSW. Before working with the Department of Agriculture in QLD, David was R&D Manager for the Australian Tea Tree Oil Research Institute (ATTORI) which was based at the Southern Cross University and Main Camp Tea Tree Oil Plantation in Northern NSW. David has been successful in developing and leading state, national and international industry based research projects with RIRDC, HAL and ACIAR. David's expertise is in developing pesticide reduction strategies and sustainable farming systems that have minimal impact on the environment.
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Rob Eccles (Senior Agronomist)
Rob has 30 years experience in agricultural industry development as an agronomist and extension adviser to farmers with the aim of promoting best practice for industry development. Rob's experience is in agribusiness and agronomic consultancy as well as developing agricultural supply chains. Rob's agronomic background is in crop and livestock production systems for total farm management. Rob has decades of experience in farming systems efficiency seeing him well placed for challenges faced by farmers of the wider agricultural sector. Rob has excellent extension and communication skills needed to help farmers understand current industry best practice farming methods and is well placed to assist industry in new research adoption.
Gemma Laird (Junior Scientist)
Gemma recently graduated from the James Cook University (Townsville). Gemma has a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Ecology and is gaining experience in research and scientific design in relation to agricutlure field trials. Gemma's role will focus on helping to implement agriculture field trials and data collection and analysis as well as to continue training to assist with the review of new pesticide registrations in preparation for submission by Chemical companies to the APVMA and to also assist in the APVMA registration review process.
Our Networks
We know that the best specialist skills are found in a wide range of professionals who work in their own consultancy firms, or in Government departments and Universities in many different parts of Australia. At Hortactix we bring together experienced agricultural research teams through our networks, giving our clients access to the best expertise in Australia through the one company. Each of our network members are recognised in the industry for their specialist skills and professionalism in service delivery. Most have had long careers in the public and/or private sectors, most have post-graduate degrees and all have extensive experience in agricultural project management and delivery.
We know that you will be satisfied with the performance of any of our project teams and your project will benefit from the broad array of skills that can be harnessed through our networks. Dealing with Hortactix projects makes this easy. We can organise the expertise you require, when and where you require it.
