All G Foods’ mission is to design a sustainable food future – one that is limitlessly good. The company is leading technological innovations for the creation of next-generation dairy and meat, providing innovative, affordable, delicious, nutritious and sustainable alternative protein solutions to the growing protein demand.

Armidale Regional Council represents a local government area in the New England and Northern Tablelands regions of New South Wales, Australia. The region extends primarily eastward from the city of Armidale through farming districts to the gorges and escarpments that mark the edge of the Northern Tablelands. One of six LGAs participating in the CRC’s ‘Hub Club’, Armidale CC will collaborate in projects under Research Program 1 around the creation of smart, sustainable food hubs, with the long-term aim of developing such a precinct in the Armidale region.

By using innovation and exploration, Baker & Co has positioned itself as an industry leader in sourcing and developing both staple and ground-breaking ingredients that underpin a wide range of products in the Food & Beverage, Flavour & Fragrance, Cosmetic, Personal Care and Pharmaceutical industries.

Bruker’s sophisticated scientific instruments and high-value analytical and diagnostic solutions enable scientists to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular and microscopic levels. The company collaborates closely with clients in life-science molecular research; applied and pharma applications; and microscopy, nano-analysis and industrial applications. Bruker has also become a provider of high-performance systems for cell biology, preclinical imaging, clinical phenomics and proteomics research, clinical microbiology and molecular pathology research. It provided a suite of state-of-the-art equipment for the Australian National Phenome Centre at Murdoch University, and its instrumentation will be critical in cutting-edge research to advance personalised medicine and precision nutrition under the CRC’s Research Program 3.

Charles Darwin University aspires to become a truly international dual-sector university. It has world-class and emerging research strengths in areas critical to the sustainable and prosperous development of Northern Australia and the region, particularly Indigenous and tropical health, environmental science, public policy, engineering, information technology and Indigenous knowledge, through engagement with governments, industry, institutions and stakeholders.

The City of Coffs Harbour represents a local government area within the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia that encompasses the regional city of Coffs Harbour, an area adjacent to the Pacific Highway and the North Coast railway line. One of six LGAs participating in the CRC’s ‘Hub Club’, Coffs Harbour CC will collaborate in projects under Research Program 1 aimed at developing smart, sustainable regional food hubs.

Australia’s leading grower, packer and marketer of premium-quality fresh fruit and veg, Costa Group supplies produce to major Australian supermarket chains, independent grocers and other food-industry stakeholders, also exporting to Asia, North America and Europe. To meet demand for fresh produce year-round, the company has forged strong relationships with several growers, who supplement and extend the offering from Costa’s own farms. Costa Farms and Logistics also operates wholesale markets for fresh produce and provides value-added supply-chain and logistics services. Currently, Costa Tomato Farm near Guyra, NSW, is expanding into a $67 million, 10-hectare nursery growing snacking and cocktail tomato varieties, expected to ramp up to full production by 2020. Simultaneously, Costa is expanding its regional packing facility to handle the extra volume. The company will participate in projects under Research Program 2 around cost-saving innovations in protected cropping environments, and in the creation of regional food precincts under Program 1.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) is investing $75 million in Commonwealth funds over 10 years, along with funds from the Northern Territory Government and the state governments of Western Australia and Queensland, to support industry-led research collaborations. Its focus is on identifying opportunities for business and growth across Australia’s north. CRCNA is looking to develop new technologies, products and services that address issues of particular relevance to Northern Australia and help build an industry-ready, skilled regional workforce in the fields of agriculture, food and health. The CRCNA will collaborate in Future Food Systems CRC projects that advance these aims under all three Research Program streams.

Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is working closely with the state’s nine Regional Development Commissions to foster sustainable growth across regional Western Australia, taking steps to encourage, promote, facilitate and monitor economic development in the region. DPIRD will contribute to projects under Research Program 1 aimed at developing sustainable regional food hubs, initially for Peel and eventually, across WA.

EcoMag Limited is an unlisted Australian public company established in 2015 and committed to ‘high standards of environmental and social corporate citizenship’. The company produces and sells specialty chemicals derived from high-purity magnesium (Mg) that are used in a range of high-value applications. It extracts this magnesium from bitterns generated by sea-salt production using a Mg precipitation process co-invented by EcoMag Chief Technology Officer, Professor Tam Tran, and developed, refined and demonstrated – first at laboratory scale, then at much larger scale, via pilot plants in the Republic of (South) Korea and in Dampier, Western Australia. EcoMag is currently constructing a commercial-scale magnesium recovery and processing plant near Dampier, adjacent to Australia’s largest solar salt operation. The company is also collaborating with UNSW researchers under the CRC in a project to scale, speed and simplify the spray-drying process used to create its high-purity Mg oxides; and develop a novel process for creating high-surface-area Mg products that can be used as base materials in high-value nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

The Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) is a world renowned, premier biosecurity facility that enhances food and fibre production and helps protect the environment. As part of the Department of Primary Industries, they contribute to the security and prosperity of this sector. They are resourced to collaborate and deliver across broad and diverse portfolios with world recognised research scientists.

Food & Fibre Gippsland was formed in March 2019, a result of the amalgamation of two regional Victorian industry bodies: Agribusiness Gippsland and the East Gippsland Food Cluster. The merge created a united, collaborative powerhouse, the mission of which is to lead capacity-building, innovation and knowledge-sharing for the greater good of the food and fibre sector across Gippsland. Food & Fibre Gippsland is interested in participating in projects under Research Program 1 to develop a smart, sustainable, future-focused food hub in the region.

The Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN) was established in 2015 to grow the Sunshine Coast’s agrifood sector by creating an ecosystem that supports collaboration, accelerates innovation and drives trade, locally and globally. Currently, FAN has more than 370 members from across the food value chain, located in and around Gympie, Noosa, the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and beyond, and is recognised nationally and internationally as an exemplar agrifood hub.

Food Innovation Partners (FIP) has 20-plus years’ experience across all sectors of Australia’s agri-food industry; all parts of the value chain, from primary production to processing, packaging, transport/logistics and retail sale; and all levels of business, from start-ups to SMEs to multinational companies. Strong relationships with food companies and R&D organisations around Australia and internationally enable FIP to match research opportunities with business entities, translating research outcomes into commercial competitive advantage and, conversely, turning commercial opportunities into viable research projects. Its vast network of food-related industry bodies, consultants, knowledge experts, financiers and government allow it to fast-track processes, reduce costs and collaborate with experts to drive innovation in virtually every area of the agri-food sector. Food Industry Partners will bring extensive experience and connections to its collaborations on CRC projects across the board.

The Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia is a state-of-the-art facility fostering industry innovation to drive business growth, develop new products and exports, and transform Western Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing industry. An ecosystem of innovation with a research and development facility, a production building and a one-stop common-use food-technology amenity. The precinct is split across three buildings, the Innovation Centre, The Research and Development Centre, and the Food and Beverage Production Centre.

Global agricultural production in the future will be challenged by unremitting land-degradation and structural decline in soil fertility, exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather events, and compounded by the high cost and unreliable supply of phosphorus and other nutrient fertilisers. The result will mean there will be approximately 20% less arable land to produce up to 70% more food and fibre required to meet the estimate global demand in 2050; and active efforts will be needed to restore soil fertility.

In order to remain profitable, and sustainably provide food security and improved livelihoods, agricultural producers will need to adapt to these challenges, and combine traditional farming with a better use of natural resources.

Great Southern Truffles produces a range of premium gourmet truffle products, delivered direct to customers, and offers truffle-hunting services and grading advice across Western Australia’s south-western region. Great Southern Truffles is keen to collaborate in value-adding projects under the CRC’s Research Program 3.

GS1 Australia is the leading provider of standards and solutions for more than 20 industry sectors. The not-for-profit group introduced barcoding to Australia in 1979 and today, it enables more than 19,000 member companies to become more efficient by implementing the GS1 system. A member-based organisation, its charter is to supply and manage barcode numbers; operate and manage supply-chain standards in accordance with the global GS1 system; and provide related solutions and services to members and their supply-chain challenges. GS1 is looking to participate in supply-chain-streamlining projects under Research Program 1.

As the grower-owned research and development corporation for Australia’s horticulture industry, Hort Innovation’s primary function is creating value for horticulture growers and those across the horticulture supply chain. Each year, this not-for-profit industry body invests more than $100 million in R&D, marketing and trade programs on behalf of the nation’s horticulture industry. Through these investments, it works to improve the productivity, farm-gate profitability and global competitiveness of specific industries and of Australian horticulture as a whole. Hort Innovation is looking to collaborate in CRC projects under all three Research Program streams.

iMOVE is a consortium of 44 industry, government, and research partners engaged in a concerted 10-year effort to improve Australia’s transport systems through collaborative R&D projects. It will help companies – and Australia – become more competitive, productive and prosperous. iMOVE is working with the CRC on a number of projects around transport infrastructure and streamlining supply chains. The CRC is also a sponsor and key participant in the annual Transport of Tomorrow conference, which includes a freight component for the first time in 2020.

Founded in 2005, Kenon Corporation is the first and largest Asian mushrooms producer in Queensland. It established 2000 sqm the most advanced Asian mushrooms production base in Australia, which can produce up to 3 tons of shiitake mushrooms per week. It also grows and distributes oysters, king oysters, shiitake, enoki and pearl mushrooms to Queenslanders.

Liverpool City Council is a local government area to the south-west of Sydney, New South Wales. The area encompasses 3,055 square kilometers; its administrative centre is located in the suburb of Liverpool, which hopes to benefit from the presence of the soon-to-be-built, curfew-free, international Sydney Airport. Liverpool CC is one of the key drivers of projects under Research Program 1 to develop, design and ultimately, deliver streamlined, sustainable, future-focused food hubs.

Sydney-based LLEAF Pty Ltd is focused on boosting natural sunlight’ in protected cropping facilities, thereby improving yield. The company’s award-winning technology is a luminescent light-emitting agricultural film known as LLEAF that can be retrofitted to existing greenhouse glass. Developed in a R&D laboratory at UNSW, LLEAF has been trialled in four crops on three continents, showing promising increases in yield. The goal is to enable year-round indoor production of even non-native crops, maximising yields and thus, grower profits.

Bordered to the north by the highly biodiverse Mt Lindesay National Park and on the south by the Denmark River, Mt Lindesay farm features undulating gully dams, pristine and regrowth forests, and granite outcrops. Transformed from a neglected property, the farm is now a veritable arboretum with a diversity of natural, timber, and agronomically productive trees. Through controlling salinity, weeds, and conserving riparian vegetation, Mt Lindesay’s prime lamb and specialty horticultural produce aims to balance productivity and environmental sustainability to produce healthier foods. Mt Lindesay’s participation in the CRC will focus on healthy bioactive components of selected artichoke varieties, and the agronomic and post-harvest processing technologies for foods that maintain the highest nutritional, gastronomic, and functional food values.

From its inception, Murdoch University has been a research-led university, and not surprisingly, it has a reputation for world-class research output. Its researchers focus primarily on the significant social and scientific challenges of our time, including climate change, environmental sustainability and adaptation, food, water and biosecurity, as well as on human and animal health and welfare. Often partnering with corporate, government and external academic bodies, much of Murdoch’s research is underpinned by a deep understanding of politics, governance and international affairs, helping translate outcomes into impact.

Namoi Unlimited is a Joint Organisation of the NSW regional councils of Gunnedah Shire, Gwydir Shire Council, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth and Walcha. Member councils collaborate, plan, set priorities and deliver important projects across north-western NSW, building on the unique and diverse economic, cultural and natural qualities of each region. After extensive social and economic research, Namoi Unlimited set Strategic Regional Priorities based around identified ‘growth factors’ that include understanding commodity market cycles; maximising innovation in agricultural production; attracting international investment; engaging the Namoi in global markets; and leveraging regional and brand marketing to encourage more people to live and work in the region. For more information or to contact Namoi Unlimited, visit the organisation’s website.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade was established in September 2020 as the Northern Territory Public Sector’s coordinating agency for economic and industry development.

The department’s vision is to support achievement of a $40 billion economy by 2030, by balancing robust and efficient regulation, and sustainable and competitive industry growth strategies.

The department supports industry development through globally competitive strategy, policy and promotion and delivers a regulatory framework that enables responsible growth, market access and stakeholder certainty. In partnership with Charles Darwin University, the department is playing a central role in CRC initiatives to develop and commercial innovation crops and production systems in the Northern Territory.

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, a division of the New South Wales Government, is responsible for the administration and development of agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, and biosecurity across the state. The Department works to drive innovation in primary industries to improve resilience, productivity and sustainability, and ensure risks are managed for natural resources, farming and food, and is keen to contribute expertise to CRC projects that further these goals.

Western Australia’s Peel region is on the brink of exciting change. It is forecast that over the next two decades the region will experience a significant influx of people, attracted by the area’s abundant resources, picturesque environment and enviable lifestyle. By 2050, Peel is expected to rival the South West as one of the state’s most populous regions outside of Perth, with a projected population of 444,000. This increase in population will bring new vibrancy and prosperity to – as well as challenges for the community. The Peel Development Commission is embracing the challenge and has worked closely with more than 200 stakeholders to form a shared view of Peel’s future as a ‘progressive, prosperous and dynamic’ region. The PDC will work with CRC participants to ensure that the region’s future food facilities are developed in smart, sustainable ways.

Since 1978, Perfection has been sourcing new fresh-produce varieties from around the globe, bringing them to Australia to grow and sell domestically. In recent years, the company has introduced several new varieties to the Australian market, from Broccolini® – one of the company’s tastiest ‘field discoveries’ – to snack-sized baby cucumber variety, Qukes®. Perfection’s output includes an array of vine-ripened tomato varieties. It also grows and markets exclusive lines of blueberries, raspberries and mangoes. Perfection will collaborate in projects involving fresh-produce supply-chain logistics and cold-chain storage under the CRC’s Research Program 1, protected-cropping innovations under Program 2, and ways to add value to fresh produce under Program 3.

Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) is the peak industry body representing commercial hydroponic and greenhouse growers Australia wide.

PCA members also include equipment and installation suppliers, specialist consultants and advisors, researchers and educators.

Our core purpose is to advocate on behalf of our industry members. We are proud to support our growers and their families and to take our industry’s needs to all levels of government and key players in the supply chain.

We also deliver a range of programs, services and opportunities that help businesses and industries achieve greater success.

If you are looking for a partner or service provider in the protected cropping industry, we have the industry knowledge and expertise to help.

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours is owned and operated by Aboriginal people, with most of its tours taking place from the Adelaide River on lands in and around UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park that are owned and managed by Aboriginal people. Guests are taught and shown traditional techniques for making instruments, weapons and food-collection receptacles; and can join guided walks and talks. led by Indigenous locals. Pudakul is looking to provide input on traditional ‘bush’ foods and medicines to CRC projects under Research Programs 1 and 3.

Qatar University (QU) is committed to providing high-quality education in areas of national priority. Underpinning this commitment is the goal to align its colleges, programs, and courses with established international standards and best practices. As a result, QU has been successful in its accreditation initiatives, earning the endorsement of numerous leading international accrediting bodies.

QUT is well known as ‘a university for the real world’ because of its relevant teaching, applied research and close links with industry. The university’s trans-disciplinary research approach delivers unique solutions to some of the biggest questions facing the world today. Industry representatives and professionals contribute to course development, adding a practical perspective. QUT’s academic staff consult in industry and work on industry and government projects, translating their research to deliver real-world impacts.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network of 52 committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the development of their regions. This federal government initiative brings together all levels of government to support the development of regional Australia. It is funded by the Australian Government and by state, territory and local governments in some jurisdictions, and is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development. RDA will play a role in the projects under Research Program 1 around the development of future-focused regional food hubs.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network of 52 committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the development of their regions. This federal government initiative brings together all levels of government to support the development of regional Australia. It is funded by the Australian Government and by state, territory and local governments in some jurisdictions, and is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development. RDA will play a role in the projects under Research Program 1 around the development of future-focused regional food hubs.

A family-owned business, Rijk Zwaan performs breeding and seed-production activities supporting the Northern Hemisphere contra-season and provides selection pressure and testing of varietal performance under Australian conditions. The company also creates and develops new varieties. The company liaises continually with people along the entire vegetable supply chain to determine priorities for its breeding programs to stay at the forefront of variety choice and innovation. Rijk Zwaan and its partners are keen to contribute actively to the global food supply, and look to drive greater vegetable consumption by laying the foundations for increasingly healthy and appealing fresh produce. The company will collaborate in the development of sustainable regional food precincts under Research Program 1.

Sanitarium Health Food Company, established in 1898, is one of Australia’s longest-established and most trusted food and beverage manufacturers. One hundred per cent Australian-owned, the company is guided by ethical principles and committed to the health and wellbeing of its suppliers, employees, customers and the planet. All Sanitarium’s food and beverage products are plant-based and manufactured in Australia from wholesome, locally sourced ingredients, created with customers’ health top of mind. In December 2020, Sanitarium won Woolworths’ Supplier of the Year.

At the centre of the Peel region and within an hour south of Perth, the Shire of Murray boasts thousands of square kilometres of natural beauty. The long-term vision for Murray is to create a district distinctive by its creativity, liveliness, activity and vibrancy, attracting new investment, seizing opportunities to develop and expand its business sector and encouraging innovation and collaboration, while providing an enticing array of lifestyle attractions.

Silverplace Pty Ltd is a Western Australian-based company specialising in the supply of premium Australian produce including fresh black Melanosporum truffles, live West Australian-grown marron, live yabbies, wild and farmed abalone, award-winning extra-virgin olive oils, high-grade seafood and meats, late-harvest shiraz vinegar, freshly pressed verjuices, native Australian bush spice and other premium products. The company prides itself on superior sourcing of ‘Australia’s best produce’ and how to transport it expertly, delivering across Australia and beyond. Silverplace is interested in collaborating in CRC projects to do with developing regional food hubs and streamlining supply chains under Research Program 1; and in value-adding projects under Research Program 3.

The George Institute is a leading independent global medical research institute established and headquartered in Sydney, with major centers in China, India and the UK and an international network of experts and collaborators. TGI’s mission is to improve the health of millions of people worldwide, particularly those living in disadvantaged circumstances, by challenging the status quo and using innovative approaches to prevent and treat non-communicable diseases and injury.

Transform Peel is located at Nambeelup in the Peel region of Western Australia, approximately 75 kilometers south of Perth. The project comprises three integrated, strategic elements: a 42,000-hectare Peel Food Zone; a 1,000-hectare Peel Business Park; and the Peel Integrated Water Initiative. The 35-year project is expected to culminate in a $16.2 billion-per-annum economic output following its completion in 2050. Transform Peel is devised, developed and delivered by Western Australia’s Peel Development Commission. Transform Peel is keen to participate in projects under Research Program 1 around the development of future-focused regional food hubs.

For more than 60 years, the University of New England has been a leader in providing distance education to students across Australia and the world. UNE, formed in 1938 as a College of the University of Sydney, became fully independent in 1954 and pioneered teaching to external students by correspondence, making UNE Australia’s most experienced provider of distance and, now, online education.

UNSW takes pride in the broad range and high quality of its teaching programs, which gain strength and currency from the university’s research activities, strong industry links and international nature. UNSW’s strong regional and global engagement and its partnerships with local and international communities allows it to share knowledge, debate and research outcomes.

Founded in 2018, the Vertical Patch team set out to change the shape of Agriculture in Australia. Vertical Patch aimed to develop the smartest, most productive and sustainable vertical urban farms as close to their customers and partners as possible.

The Future Food Network aims to build a connected, resilient and progressive food and beverage industry in Western Australia. They aim to connect and inspire businesses to take the next steps to grow and develop opportunities in the value-add space.

WBS Technology, operating in Australia since January 2011, is a leading Australian manufacturer and provider of high-quality, energy-efficient, warranty-backed LED lighting. All its products are designed and developed in-house by WBS’s research and development engineers, then stringently tested to ensure reliability and longevity. The company is big on innovation,, aiming to produce LED emergency lighting that can be leveraged to cost-effectively provide building owners and operators with the technology and IoT networks they need to create smarter, cleaner, safer and more sustainable buildings. The company will collaborate on projects under Research Program 2.

Western Sydney University is a research institution driven by impact. Excellent research and practical outcomes are essential parts of the university’s overarching research mission. WSU research has real impact upon the social, economic and environmental well being of its regional, national and international communities.