Dear FFS Community,
It is with great honour that we approach a significant milestone in our journey together. As we prepare to celebrate our fourth anniversary, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable successes we have achieved and highlight the strengths that will propel us into our fifth year and beyond.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering support have been instrumental to the growth and maturation of the collaboration. Together, we have accomplished great things, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved.
One of our most significant accomplishments is the support we have provided to industry-led research. I am thrilled to announce that we have facilitated over $48 million in research funding, paving the way for ground-breaking discoveries and innovations. The estimated potential impacts of over $350 million resulting from this research are a testament to the profound influence we are making in the agrifood sector.
Equally impressive is the solid network we have built with more than 52 actively collaborating partners. This network of like-minded individuals and organisations has been vital in fostering innovation, sharing knowledge, and driving the progress of our projects. Together, we have initiated 57 impactful endeavours, with over a third already completed, showcasing our commitment to delivering tangible outcomes.
But our impact goes beyond research. We have also dedicated ourselves to inspiring the future of the agrifood sector. Through the support and funding of 36 industry PhD placements, we have nurtured the development of young talents who will shape the foods, technologies and systems that will be the foundation of Australia’s future. By investing in these brilliant minds, we are ensuring a prosperous tomorrow for our industry.
Furthermore, we have successfully fostered a community of passionate individuals and connections. Our first-ever face-to-face Summit, held in Brisbane last December, was a resounding success, with more than 120 delegates in attendance. The energy and enthusiasm shared during that event were palpable, and it has laid the groundwork for an even more remarkable Summit next year in Perth, For Food’s Sake, scheduled for February 2024. Let us build upon this success and make our next event an even greater triumph.
As we approach our fifth year, we have a firm foundation to build upon. Our achievements have set the stage for a future filled with endless possibilities. I encourage you all to continue leveraging our strengths, nurturing our collaborations and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Together, we can drive the agrifood sector to new heights and secure a prosperous future for Australia.
Here’s to four incredible years and the promise of an even brighter fifth year!
Warm regards,
Dr James Krahe
CEO, FFS
Lead image: Dr James Krahe with an edible coffee cup, part of an initiative by UNSW to raise awareness of World Oceans Day on 8 June 2023.