The Victorian Government has opened a new Plant Protein Hub and glasshouse at Agriculture Victoria’s Horsham SmartFarm, following a $12 million state investment.

Agriculture Minister Ros Spence confirmed the hub is now operational. The funding included $9 million for the hub and $3 million for the glasshouse.

The new facilities include research and collaboration spaces, a test kitchen, analytical equipment and areas for developing plant-based products. They are designed to support work on high-protein crop varieties, including lentils, chickpeas and field peas, amid rising global demand for plant-based foods.

The hub can accommodate up to ten PhD students and three start-ups. Agriculture Victoria is working with industry partners to identify future research projects.

According to the government, construction generated jobs across trades, suppliers and technical services, and the site will continue to provide opportunities in research, education and industry partnerships.

A dedicated education space will provide hands-on learning for students from primary school through to postgraduate levels.

The new glasshouse is intended to accelerate crop research and improve pest and disease management, as well as climate resilience.

Victoria’s pulse industry generated $638 million in export income last year. Australia exports around 2.5 million tonnes of pulses annually, making it the second-largest pulse exporter globally.

Minister for agriculture Ros Spence said: “Victoria is leading the way in plant-based protein research, building world-class facilities and fostering collaboration that will transform agriculture and strengthen regional economies.”

Parliamentary secretary for regional Victoria, Michaela Settle, commented: “This investment will help our communities reach new markets, drive local jobs, champion sustainable practices, and ensure a strong and resilient future for regional Victoria.”

Member for western Victoria, Jacinta Ermacora, added: "Having fit-for-purpose facilities like the Plant Protein Hub at Horsham SmartFarm strengthens our research capabilities and opens the door to new opportunities across agriculture and food innovation.”