Australia is now regarded internationally as the largest producer of hydroponic lettuce in the world with over 180 acres under cultivation. Our hydroponic strawberry cultivation is larger than that of the United States and our flower industry is almost as large as the lucrative American market.

So, is hydroponics a good business to get into? And is it a growth industry? YES!

HYDRO MASTA has provided many successful businesses with information, equipment, technical support, system design, nutrient/water analysis, site visits and evaluations as well as all the necessary consumables such as crop specific nutrients. We are backed up commercially by a company that has over 17 years experience in the industry, including hands-on experience managing commercial strawberry and lettuce farms that have positioned themselves at the forefront of commercial hydroponic installations in Australia.

Who else but HYDRO MASTA can you trust to nurture your hydroponic venture from start to finish?

It is important when considering the possibility of farming hydroponically, whether on a small or large scale, that you seek advice from as many qualified people as possible such as other farmers as well as your local Department of Agriculture. Maybe even trial a small system to get the hang of it. It's easy, but you have to learn how to use it properly, and how to get the correct balance of nutrients for the flavor and healthy growth of your plants, as well as how to recognise problems when they arise.

Also be wary of purchasing second hand commercial systems, unless you have made enquiries about the type of system you will need you may be spending money on a system that isn't suitable for the crop you wish to grow. With hydroponics being a relatively young industry, there has been some bad press with a few commercial systems designed and installed by so called hydroponic specialists which simply don't work. You may be buying one of these, so be cautious.

Also, consider the returns on your money, as there can be many tax breaks when you are a grower (ask an accountant!) which can make it extremely profitable as a negatively geared enterprise to recover taxes you already pay.

Successful commercial hydroponic growers, (and there are some who have made fortunes), have all done their research first! And Hydro Masta can assist you in making the right decisions. So if you are serious about a future in hydroponics, contact Hydro Masta as your first step on the right track to success.

Ask these questions before making a decision:

• What sort of produce does the market actually want?
• What do people buy locally?
• How close are you to the market and how far is the next possible market?
• Does the proposed market have the potential to consume your initial produce?
• Does it have the ability to absorb your expansion capacity?
• What competition exists in the area, supplies the same market and what do they supply?