A HUGE cannabis crop of more than 700 plants has been uncovered by police on a failed apple orchard in the Macedon Ranges.

The elaborate hydroponic setup, in a shed in Harmony Way, Harcourt, was discovered after a tip-off to police on Saturday afternoon.

The crop was dismantled and taken away on Monday.

Harcourt is a popular area for apple growers and cider makers but several businesses collapsed during a drought several years ago.

The Herald Sun understands the property that was raided used to grow apples but had instead turned a cool store shed into the alleged cannabis operation.

Macedon Ranges Crime Investigation Unit Sen-Constable Robert Curran said removing the plants, in various stages of growth, was no easy task.

“Hopefully we have made a dent in the supply chain of cannabis within Victoria,’’ he said.

No arrests have been made over the discovery and investigations continue.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au.