Future crops

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Optimised fertigation improves yield and quality of cucumbers for resource efficiency and economic return in high-tech greenhouses In this paper, the research team highlighted the potential benefits of maintained fertigation impacting productivity and quality of greenhouse cucumber varieties, identifying differential expression of key potassium transporter genes, linking fertigation management to plant responses. Publisher: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research April, 2025 Article	In this paper, the research team highlighted the potential benefits of maintained fertigation impacting productivity and quality of greenhouse cucumber varieties, identifying differential expression of key potassium transporter genes, linking fertigation management to plant responses.
Sonic-induced cellular vibrations unzip intertwined anther cone trichomes to trigger floral self-pollination and boost tomato fruit size In a Future Food Systems project with funding partner Perfection Fresh Australia, led by Western Sydney University, researchers have developed an acoustic-induced pollination solution for protected cropping that uses inexpensive precision photoacoustic technology to enhance horticultural tomato crop production, supporting sustainable production and breakthroughs in pathogen control. Publisher: Horticulture Research, Volume 12, Issue 6, June 2025 April, 2025 Article	In a Future Food Systems project with funding partner Perfection Fresh Australia, led by Western Sydney University, researchers have developed an acoustic-induced pollination solution for protected cropping that uses inexpensive precision photoacoustic technology to enhance horticultural tomato crop production, supporting sustainable production and breakthroughs in pathogen control.	Sonic-induced cellular vibrations unzip intertwined anther cone trichomes to trigger floral self-pollination and boost tomato fruit size
Optimal energy-efficient shade screen and ventilation control settings for a greenhouse covered with light-altering films Explore the latest findings from an Future Food Systems-supported collaborative project between Western Sydney University, LLEAF and Hort Innovation, focused on optimising glasshouse energy management by investigating energy consumption under different shading, light-altering, and ventilation conditions. April, 2025 Article	Explore the latest findings from an Future Food Systems-supported collaborative project between Western Sydney University, LLEAF and Hort Innovation, focused on optimising glasshouse energy management by investigating energy consumption under different shading, light-altering, and ventilation conditions.	Optimal energy-efficient shade screen and ventilation control settings for a greenhouse covered with light-altering films
LLEAF Showcase with Chris Wilkins Chris Wilkins presenting a showcase from LLEAF (Research Showcase 2024) Publisher: Future Food Systems November, 2024 Video	Chris Wilkins presenting a showcase from LLEAF (Research Showcase 2024)
‘Characterisation of capsaicinoids’ with Mursleen Yasin Watch FFS PhD student Mursleen Yasin talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project Authors: Mursleen Yasin Publisher: Future Food Systems November, 2024 Video	Watch FFS PhD student Mursleen Yasin talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project
‘Characterisation of capsaicinoids’ with Dr Sunil Panchal Watch Dr Sunil Panchal talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project Authors: Sunil Panchal Publisher: Future Food Systems October, 2024 Video	Watch Dr Sunil Panchal talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project
Value-adding to globe artichokes with Andrew Tilley Andrew Tilley (Murdoch University and FFS PhD student) – 'Value-adding to Globe Artichokes' (FFS Research Showcase 2024) Authors: Andrew Tilley Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2024 Video	Andrew Tilley (Murdoch University and FFS PhD student) – 'Value-adding to Globe Artichokes' (FFS Research Showcase 2024)
Optimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality with Dr Richard Thomas and Gareema Pandey Dr Richard Thomas (WSU and FFS project leader) and Gareema Pandey (WSU & FFS PhD student) – 'Optimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality using controlled spectra and mild stress treatment via polytunnel innovation' (FFS Research Showcase 2024) Authors: Richard Thomas, Gareema Pandey Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2024 Video	Dr Richard Thomas (WSU and FFS project leader) and Gareema Pandey (WSU & FFS PhD student) – 'Optimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality using controlled spectra and mild stress treatment via polytunnel innovation' (FFS Research Showcase 2024)
Bioactive components for value-add to Australian artichokes with Dr Mark McHenry, Dr Ruey Leng Loo and Andrew Tilley Dr Mark McHenry and his wife, Dr Julia Anwar McHenry grow specialty globe artichokes on Mt Lindesay Farm, near Denmark, WA. As partners in a four-year, Future Food Systems-backed project, they work with researchers at Murdoch University including ANPC scientist Dr Ruey Leng Loo and PhD student Andrew Tilley to quantify beneficial properties in globe artichokes, notably long-chain inulin. Authors: Mark McHenry, Ruey-Leng Loo, Andrew Tilley Publisher: Future Food Systems April, 2024 Video	Dr Mark McHenry and his wife, Dr Julia Anwar McHenry grow specialty globe artichokes on Mt Lindesay Farm, near Denmark, WA. As partners in a four-year, Future Food Systems-backed project, they work with researchers at Murdoch University including ANPC scientist Dr Ruey Leng Loo and PhD student Andrew Tilley to quantify beneficial properties in globe artichokes, notably long-chain inulin.
Expanding Australia’s truffle cultivation industry with Mahesh Galappaththi Working with mycologists at Murdoch University and with innovative growers Drs Mark and Julia Anwar McHenry on their farm near Denmark, WA, FFS-backed PhD student Mahesh Galappaththi, originally from Sri Lanka, is exploring ways to ensure successful colonisation of host trees’ root zones by some of the world’s most delectable truffle species. Authors: Mahesh Galappaththi Publisher: Future Food Systems October, 2023 Video	Working with mycologists at Murdoch University and with innovative growers Drs Mark and Julia Anwar McHenry on their farm near Denmark, WA, FFS-backed PhD student Mahesh Galappaththi, originally from Sri Lanka, is exploring ways to ensure successful colonisation of host trees’ root zones by some of the world’s most delectable truffle species.
A unique vertical farming system with Vertical Patch The Vertical Patch team explains the company’s state-of-the-art indoor growing system. Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	The Vertical Patch team explains the company’s state-of-the-art indoor growing system.
Phenolics in globe artichokes with Andrew Tilley Murdoch University PhD student Andrew Tilley presenting 'Phenolics in Globe Artichokes' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Authors: Andrew Tilley Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	Murdoch University PhD student Andrew Tilley presenting 'Phenolics in Globe Artichokes' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Novel microbiome technologies to increase profitability for Australian horticulture with Assoc. Prof. Kirsty Bayliss Murdoch University Assoc. Prof. Kirsty Bayliss presenting 'Novel microbiome technologies to increase profitability for Aus horticulture' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Authors: Kirsty Bayliss Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	Murdoch University Assoc. Prof. Kirsty Bayliss presenting 'Novel microbiome technologies to increase profitability for Aus horticulture' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Novel bio-based solutions for effective management of key root pathogens with Dr Hongwei Liu WSU's Dr Hongwei Liu presenting 'Novel bio-based solutions for effective management of key root pathogens' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	WSU's Dr Hongwei Liu presenting 'Novel bio-based solutions for effective management of key root pathogens' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Sustainable fertigation for high yield and quality vegetables in protected cropping with Prof. Zhonghua Chen WSU Prof. Zhonghua Chen presenting 'Sustainable fertigation for high yield and quality vegetables in Protected Cropping' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Authors: Zhonghua Chen Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	WSU Prof. Zhonghua Chen presenting 'Sustainable fertigation for high yield and quality vegetables in Protected Cropping' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Microbial rhizosphere diversity in glasshouse hydroponic crops with Phil Thomas UNE PhD student Phil Thomas presenting 'Microbial rhizosphere diversity in glasshouse hydroponic crops' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase Authors: Phil Thomas Publisher: Future Food Systems August, 2023 Video	UNE PhD student Phil Thomas presenting 'Microbial rhizosphere diversity in glasshouse hydroponic crops' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
Using sensors and machine learning to measure growth and health in protected cropping with Namal Jayasuriya Eranda Namal Jayasuriya moved from Sri Lanka to Singapore to Sydney to pursue a passion for computer science. As part of the CRC’s ‘IoT for indoor cropping’ project team, he’s conducting sophisticated image analysis to monitor indoor crops Authors: Eranda Namal Jayasuriya Publisher: Future Food Systems July, 2023 Video	Eranda Namal Jayasuriya moved from Sri Lanka to Singapore to Sydney to pursue a passion for computer science. As part of the CRC’s ‘IoT for indoor cropping’ project team, he’s conducting sophisticated image analysis to monitor indoor crops
Luminescent Light Emitting Agricultural Film (LLEAF) with Dr Alex Soeriyadi Hear Sydney-based agripreneur Alex Soeriyadi, an industry partner in the FFSCRC’s ‘Smart glass’, ‘Glasshouse films’ and ‘Methane reduction’ projects, discuss his light-spectra-shifting, crop-enhancing agricultural film LLEAF-Red and the trials it is undergoing at Western Sydney University. Authors: Alexander Soeriyadi Publisher: Future Food Systems February, 2023 Video	Hear Sydney-based agripreneur Alex Soeriyadi, an industry partner in the FFSCRC’s ‘Smart glass’, ‘Glasshouse films’ and ‘Methane reduction’ projects, discuss his light-spectra-shifting, crop-enhancing agricultural film LLEAF-Red and the trials it is undergoing at Western Sydney University.
Combining sensors and imaging to better inform crop growth and health in indoor farming with Prof. Oula Ghannoum Hear Western Sydney University Professor Oula Ghannoum, crop scientist, key researcher on several FFSCRC projects and the project lead for the new $6.8m 'Automated Crop Monitoring for Protected Cropping Systems' project. Authors: Oula Ghannoum Publisher: Future Food Systems January, 2023 Video	Hear Western Sydney University Professor Oula Ghannoum, crop scientist, key researcher on several FFSCRC projects and the project lead for the new $6.8m 'Automated Crop Monitoring for Protected Cropping Systems' project.
Improving energy consumption using smart glass films in protected cropping with Dist. Prof. David Tissue Hear Dist. Prof. Tissue talk about the ongoing trials of new retrofit films that aim to reduce heat and boost growth and yield in glasshouse-grown crops, involving Western Sydney University scientists, Hort Innovation, various industry partners and FFS. Authors: David Tissue Publisher: Future Food Systems January, 2023 Video	Hear Dist. Prof. Tissue talk about the ongoing trials of new retrofit films that aim to reduce heat and boost growth and yield in glasshouse-grown crops, involving Western Sydney University scientists, Hort Innovation, various industry partners and FFS.
Commercialisation of Australian native rice with Prof. Sagadevan G. Mundree Professor Sagadevan Mundree, Head of QUT’s School of Biological and Environmental Science, is helping to turn a low-value commodity, faba beans, into healthy, high-value baked goods. Hear Prof. Mundree talk about his work in value-adding and future foods, at 2020's Research Showcase Authors: Sagadevan Mundree Publisher: Future Food Systems February, 2022 Video	Professor Sagadevan Mundree, Head of QUT’s School of Biological and Environmental Science, is helping to turn a low-value commodity, faba beans, into healthy, high-value baked goods. Hear Prof. Mundree talk about his work in value-adding and future foods, at 2020's Research Showcase
Luminescent Light Emitting Agricultural Film (LLEAF): The next evolution of protected cropping to increase crop productivity sustainably with Dr Alex Soeriyadi LLEAF P/L CEO Dr Alex Soeriyadi is working with Hort Innovation, DPI and Western Sydney University scientists to trial his prototype agricultural films on glasshouse-grown blueberry and lettuce crops. Here, he explains how it all works. Authors: Alexander Soeriyadi Publisher: Future Food Systems February, 2022 Video	LLEAF P/L CEO Dr Alex Soeriyadi is working with Hort Innovation, DPI and Western Sydney University scientists to trial his prototype agricultural films on glasshouse-grown blueberry and lettuce crops. Here, he explains how it all works.
Remote sensing technology in protected cropping with Mark Cardamis & Dr Yimeng Feng Remote sensing technology in protected cropping Authors: Mark Cardamis Publisher: Future Food Systems February, 2022 Video	Remote sensing technology in protected cropping	Remote sensing technology in protected cropping with Mark Cardamis & Dr Yimeng Feng Mark Cardamis
Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2023/24 Information on the four subsectors listed above are available to download free of charge as four separate pdf documents. Publisher: Hort Innovation April, 2021 Reference Material	Information on the four subsectors listed above are available to download free of charge as four separate pdf documents.	Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2023/24
Australian native rice commercialisation Australian native rice has potential as a high-value, low-volume, Indigenous culturally-identified, nutritious food, but currently it is not commercially available. There is strong interest among Australian Indigenous communities in enterprises based on native plant species and growing interest in native plant foods among consumers. Publisher: CDU March, 2021 Website	Australian native rice has potential as a high-value, low-volume, Indigenous culturally-identified, nutritious food, but currently it is not commercially available. There is strong interest among Australian Indigenous communities in enterprises based on native plant species and growing interest in native plant foods among consumers.	Australian native rice commercialisation
The Changing Landscape of Protein Production: Opportunities and challenges for Australian agriculture The expanding plant-based protein industry could unlock opportunities for Australian agrifood producers, contends this February 2020 report. Publisher: AgriFutures Australia December, 2020 Reference Material	The expanding plant-based protein industry could unlock opportunities for Australian agrifood producers, contends this February 2020 report.	The Changing Landscape of Protein Production: Opportunities and challenges for Australian agriculture
Food, Planet, Health: Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems The global adoption of healthy diets from sustainable food systems would safeguard our planet and improve the health of billions, argues the EAT-Lancet Commission in this compelling report. Publisher: EAT/Lancet Commission Reference Material	The global adoption of healthy diets from sustainable food systems would safeguard our planet and improve the health of billions, argues the EAT-Lancet Commission in this compelling report.	Food, Planet, Health: Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems
Capturing the Prize: The A$200 billion opportunity in 2030 for the Australian food and agribusiness sector This report from the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre, FIAL, identifies 19 opportunities that could boost the value-addition capability of Australia's agrifood sector to $200b+ p.a. by 2030. Publisher: Australian Government Reference Material	This report from the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre, FIAL, identifies 19 opportunities that could boost the value-addition capability of Australia's agrifood sector to $200b+ p.a. by 2030.	Capturing the Prize: The A$200 billion opportunity in 2030 for the Australian food and agribusiness sector
Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield Authors: Sachin Chavan, Chris Cazzonelli, Zhonghua Chen, Oula Ghannoum, David Tissue Publisher: Wiley Online September, 2020 Paper	Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield	Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield Sachin Chavan, Chris Cazzonelli, Zhonghua Chen, Oula Ghannoum, David Tissue
Case study: seasonal variations in capsicum plants This paper details a study in which capsicums grown in a high-tech indoor facility consumed more energy in warmer than in cooler months, showing that planting time impacts power use significantly. Authors: Zhonghua Chen, David Tissue Publisher: Western Sydney University (WSU) August, 2020 Article	This paper details a study in which capsicums grown in a high-tech indoor facility consumed more energy in warmer than in cooler months, showing that planting time impacts power use significantly.	Case study: seasonal variations in capsicum plants Zhonghua Chen, David Tissue
Maridulu Budyari Gumal : The Sphere SPHERE: Working together for good health and wellbeing Publisher: Future Food Systems CRC August, 2020 Reference Material	SPHERE: Working together for good health and wellbeing	Maridulu Budyari Gumal : The Sphere
Size of the Prize: An Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & Agribusinesses FIAL's Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & Agribusinesses Publisher: Food and Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) November, 2017 Reference Material	FIAL's Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & Agribusinesses	Size of the Prize: An Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & Agribusinesses
Next-generation protected cropping facilities This report reviews current best practices and technology for protected cropping facilities and explores research trends in the sector as first steps towards advancing the technological capabilities of Australia’s indoor horticultural industry and delivering solutions that meet Southern Hemisphere industry-specific needs. Authors: Greg Leslie Publisher: Future Food Systems June, 2020 FFS Publication	This report reviews current best practices and technology for protected cropping facilities and explores research trends in the sector as first steps towards advancing the technological capabilities of Australia’s indoor horticultural industry and delivering solutions that meet Southern Hemisphere industry-specific needs.
Protected cropping Current technologies and target crops Publisher: Future Food Systems CRC June, 2020 FFS Publication	Current technologies and target crops
New product development In the FMCG marketplace, product innovation is crucial to competitive advantage. But new product development requires more than expertise in food science and technology. External factors – business capability and supply-chain variables, raw materials, production, quality assurance, food safety, regulations, consumer needs, societal and environmental impacts – must all be considered. Taking a structured, sophisticated approach to product development, as outlined in this report, leads to better products and importantly, de-risks investment. Authors: Maria Veronica Chandra-Hioe Publisher: Future Food Systems CRC June, 2020 FFS Publication	In the FMCG marketplace, product innovation is crucial to competitive advantage. But new product development requires more than expertise in food science and technology. External factors – business capability and supply-chain variables, raw materials, production, quality assurance, food safety, regulations, consumer needs, societal and environmental impacts – must all be considered. Taking a structured, sophisticated approach to product development, as outlined in this report, leads to better products and importantly, de-risks investment.
Next-generation protected cropping facilities This report reviews current best practices and technology for protected cropping facilities and explores research trends in the sector as first steps towards advancing the technological capabilities of Australia’s indoor horticultural industry and delivering solutions that meet Southern Hemisphere industry-specific needs. Authors: Greg Leslie Publisher: Future Food Systems June, 2020 Report	This report reviews current best practices and technology for protected cropping facilities and explores research trends in the sector as first steps towards advancing the technological capabilities of Australia’s indoor horticultural industry and delivering solutions that meet Southern Hemisphere industry-specific needs.
Protected cropping Protected cropping is Australia’s fastest-growing food-producing sector, with huge growth potential; however, it requires scientific and technological solutions to become a key global player. Funding support and practical technological innovations – new methods of biological control; solutions for partial automation of tasks like irrigation and temperature control – could help growers using low-tech systems transition to more productive, profitable medium-tech ones. Medium-tech facilities require significant technological upgrades to compete with large-scale food production from poly-tunnel-deploying farms and high-quality produce from high-tech greenhouses. This part of the sector needs scientific and technological solutions generated by industry-university collaborations: new crop genotypes, integrated pest management, automated fertigation, climate control and robotic assistance in crop management and harvest. Meanwhile, high-tech glasshouses would benefit from incorporating technological advances in crop physiology, fertigation, recycling and lighting. Vertical farms also have a bright future, especially post-pandemic. Authors: Sachin Chavan, Zhonghua Chen, Oula Ghannoum, Chris Cazzonelli, David Tissue Publisher: Future Food Systems June, 2020 Report	Protected cropping is Australia’s fastest-growing food-producing sector, with huge growth potential; however, it requires scientific and technological solutions to become a key global player. Funding support and practical technological innovations – new methods of biological control; solutions for partial automation of tasks like irrigation and temperature control – could help growers using low-tech systems transition to more productive, profitable medium-tech ones. Medium-tech facilities require significant technological upgrades to compete with large-scale food production from poly-tunnel-deploying farms and high-quality produce from high-tech greenhouses. This part of the sector needs scientific and technological solutions generated by industry-university collaborations: new crop genotypes, integrated pest management, automated fertigation, climate control and robotic assistance in crop management and harvest. Meanwhile, high-tech glasshouses would benefit from incorporating technological advances in crop physiology, fertigation, recycling and lighting. Vertical farms also have a bright future, especially post-pandemic.
New product development In the FMCG marketplace, product innovation is crucial to competitive advantage. But new product development requires more than expertise in food science and technology. External factors – business capability and supply-chain variables, raw materials, production, quality assurance, food safety, regulations, consumer needs, societal and environmental impacts – must all be considered. Taking a structured, sophisticated approach to product development, as outlined in this report, leads to better products and importantly, de-risks investment. Authors: Maria Veronica Chandra-Hioe Publisher: Future Food Systems CRC June, 2020 Report	In the FMCG marketplace, product innovation is crucial to competitive advantage. But new product development requires more than expertise in food science and technology. External factors – business capability and supply-chain variables, raw materials, production, quality assurance, food safety, regulations, consumer needs, societal and environmental impacts – must all be considered. Taking a structured, sophisticated approach to product development, as outlined in this report, leads to better products and importantly, de-risks investment.
Smart crop monitoring Emerging technology has potential to transform food production, enabling premium crops to be grown virtually anywhere, anytime, with key parameters monitored and inputs controlled precisely and automatically. To realise this vision, however, we must develop automated systems tailored for 21stcentury protected-cropping facilities, then simplify these to create affordable, accessible solutions for growers. Protected cropping – including low-tech polytunnels; medium-tech facilities enabling some environmental control; and hightech facilities, such as fully automated glasshouses and indoor vertical-farm facilities – can produce far more food per land area than can field-based horticulture. Authors: Zhonghua Chen, Chris Cazzonelli, David Tissue, Oula Ghannoum Publisher: Future Food Systems June, 2020 Report	Emerging technology has potential to transform food production, enabling premium crops to be grown virtually anywhere, anytime, with key parameters monitored and inputs controlled precisely and automatically. To realise this vision, however, we must develop automated systems tailored for 21stcentury protected-cropping facilities, then simplify these to create affordable, accessible solutions for growers. Protected cropping – including low-tech polytunnels; medium-tech facilities enabling some environmental control; and hightech facilities, such as fully automated glasshouses and indoor vertical-farm facilities – can produce far more food per land area than can field-based horticulture.
Smart crop monitoring Precise phenotyping for improved quality and protected cropping management June, 2020 FFS Publication	Precise phenotyping for improved quality and protected cropping management

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