ProjectCultivation of newly isolated cyanobacterium for high-value functional food and sustainable food packaging materialsThis project aims to optimise biomass cultivation conditions to maximise the co-production of phycocyanin and bioplastic precursors. By refining parameters such as nutrient supply, light intensity, and cultivation systems, the research seeks to enhance yield and efficiency, enabling scalable production of both high-value pigment and biodegradable materials.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoDike (Miranda) Yang – Encapsulation of food flavours: retention, stability, and applicationsDike (Miranda) Yang – 'Encapsulation of food flavours: retention, stability, and applications' (FFS Research Showcase 2025)
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoDr Chris Lehnert – Robotic Physical Interaction in Challenging EnvironmentsDr Chris Lehnert – 'Robotic Physical Interaction in Challenging Environments' (FFS Research Showcase 2025)
Media ReleaseGather & Grow: Celebrating Coffs’ Food FutureThe Mid North Coast’s food, beverage and agriculture sector will take centre stage at Gather & Grow: Celebrating Coffs’ Food Future on Tuesday 2 September at Yarrila Place.
Media CoverageLocal research homing in on the year round truffleResearch progress, technology advancements and opportunities to support a new truffle species which can be harvested in winter, spring and summer seasons was outlined last week. Academics, farmers, industry partners and representatives converged on the McHenry farm at Mt Lindesay recently to hear about these advancements in truffle cultivation. Local research initiative Silverplace which is…
Design and evaluation of a resonant sono-plate combined with infrared radiation to accelerate food drying at near-freezing temperaturesNikunj Naliyadhara, Jayashree Arcot, Francisco J. TrujilloArticleDesign and evaluation of a resonant sono-plate combined with infrared radiation to accelerate food drying at near-freezing temperaturesIn the following research paper relating to the 'Atmospheric freeze-drying' project, Nikunj Naliyadhara, and supervisors, Dr Francisco Trujillo and Prof. Jayashree Arcot, used sound waves (ultrasound) and light waves (infrared) to dry apples at low temperatures (−5 to 5 °C), cutting drying time by more than 50% with no significant loss in colour, texture, or nutrients.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘Acoustic-induced pollination in protected cropping’ with Assoc. Prof. Chris CazzonelliIn this video, Assoc. Prof. Cazzonelli explains how precision pollination technology is advancing crop production. By using high-frequency sound waves, sonication promotes tomato pollination as effectively as conventional methods – delivering a sustainable and precise solution for protected cropping.
NewsProfiting Together: The Power of Strategic CollaborationCollaboration boosts innovation and profit – strategic partnerships, even with competitors, can drive growth and reduce risk
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘Sustainable fertigation in protected cropping’ with Sonali KoundalWatch FFS PhD candidate Sonali Koundal talk about the FFS 'Sustainable fertigation in protected cropping' project. Sustainable vegetable production in diverse environments like Australia and Qatar face constraints related to climate, water use efficiency, and nutrient management. Conventional fertigation practices may not optimise both yield and crop quality under varying regional conditions.
NewsFood: Australia’s hidden superpower for industrial collaboration and national renewalWhen we think about the big levers for Australia’s future prosperity, we often talk about minerals, energy, defence, or digital technology. Yet beneath all these sits something far more fundamental: food. It is not just our oldest industry; it is our most enduring human need. Food anchors communities, supports thousands of businesses, underpins health, attracts…
FFS PublicationUrban food planning in Australia: Enabling and constraining factorsThis paper examines urban food planning in Australia and explores enabling and constraining factors in its integration with planning systems
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘Produce prescription’ with Kim GloverWatch FFS PhD candidate Kim Glover talk about the FFS 'Produce Prescription' project. 'Produce Prescription' is an approach where healthcare providers ‘prescribe’ free/discounted produce typically for those experiencing food insecurity. The study is determining the effect of produce prescription on health outcomes in adults with Type 2 Diabetes experiencing high blood sugar levels and food insecurity.
Produce prescription to improve health among adults with type 2 diabetes in Australia: Protocol for a randomised controlled trialKimberly Glover, Megan Gow, Kathy Trieu, Liping Huang, Kristy K. Law, Bruce Neal, Jencia Wong, Ted Wu, Stephen Twigg, Amanda Gauld, Maria Constantino, Margaret McGill, Stephanie Noonan, David Simmons, Ian D. Caterson, Dariush Mozaffarian, Claudia Nau, Jing Li, Gian Luca Di Tanna, Vincent Wong, Jason H.Y. WuArticleProduce prescription to improve health among adults with type 2 diabetes in Australia: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial‘Food is medicine’ programs such as Produce Prescription (PRx) aim to integrate food-based nutrition programs into healthcare, for the prevention, management and treatment of diet-related diseases, typically for those experiencing food insecurity. However, the impact of PRx on health indicators in Australia has never been tested in a randomised trial.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoSIFT with David DoepelDr James Krahe joined FFS Research Program Deputy Lead David Doepel at Murdoch University to discuss SIFT - Sustainable Innovative Food Technology WA, exploring the opportunities for small businesses emerging from the facility, the potential of High Pressure Processing (HPP) technology, and the power of collaboration. David also shares his personal journey in value-adding, crafting cheese at Melville Park with fellow custodian and partner, Barbara Connell.
NewsFinding Common Ground: Why Collaboration Matters in Times of Global Trade UncertaintyIn an increasingly unpredictable world, global trade, once seen as a reliable backbone of economic growth, is under pressure. From shifting geopolitical alliances and supply chain volatility to rising protectionism and climate-related disruptions, trade uncertainty has become a defining challenge of our time. For Australia’s food and agriculture sectors, which rely heavily on global markets,…
ArticleNMR spectroscopy-derived nutritional quality index differentiates health benefits of extra virgin olive oils based on lipid profilesThe nutritional benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs) depend on their chemical composition. Currently, there is no simple way to compare the health benefits of different EVOOs. Samples from Australia, Greece, Italy, Spain and Tunisia (N = 423) were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to screen against six quality parameters (free acidity, peroxides, K270,…
Media CoverageDiversifying Western Australia’s apple industry with juicy new productsJuicy new products are being developed as part of a new government initiative to help Western Australia’s Bravo apple growers add value and diversify — with the first two products developed being an apple juice and a long-life apple slice. These new product developments, which will be sold under the trademark Soluna, are the result…
Media CoverageLocally grown Bravo apples hit independent stores as new juice brandBravo apples bred in WA are being made into bottled juice for the first time under a new brand name — Soluna. Thanks to the results of new research, the apple juice is cold-pressed before undergoing high-pressure processing to extend its life to 90 days. The same process will also allow long-life slices to hit…
Media CoverageTwo new valued-added products have been launched for the Bravo apple.Two new valued-added products have been launched for the Bravo apple. One is a rosy, pink apple juice and the other is fresh, long-life apple slices.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘Encapsulation of oil-based extracts for food flavouring applications’ with Dike (Miranda) YangWatch Dike (Miranda) Yang talk about the 'Encapsulation of oil-based extracts for food flavouring applications' FFS project
NewsFrom PhD student to PlannerIn the following interview, Dr Ripan Debnath, who completed his PhD at UNSW Sydney in 2023, shares his journey from research at the City Futures Research Centre to his role at the NSW Department of Planning, along with advice for PhD students entering the workforce. Discover Ripan’s journey of success.
ArticleUnravelling inulin molecules in food sources using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization magnetic resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-MRMS) pipelineInulin, a polysaccharide characterized by a β-2,1 fructosyl-fructose structure terminating in a glucosyl moiety, is naturally present in plant roots and tubers. Current methods provide average degrees of polymerization (DP) but lack information on the distribution and absolute concentration of each DP. To address this limitation, a reproducible (CV < 10 %) high throughput (<2…
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘IoT for indoor cropping’ with Mark CardamisWatch FFS PhD student Mark Cardamis talk about the 'IoT for indoor cropping' FFS project
Media CoverageTech makes biosecurity easier for growersA new $1.7 million mapping initiative is expected to change how fruit growers will soon respond to biosecurity threats. Drawing on citizen science by asking apricot, cherry, dried fruit, lychee, nectarine, peach and plum producers to log location data through an app, this technology could help protect Australian fruit from pests and disease. The aim…
Food security: Gauging Australian food security with sustainable food consumptionLijun SummerhayesArticleFood security: Gauging Australian food security with sustainable food consumptionAustralia is one of the most food-secure nations in the world, capable of feeding 75 million people, nearly three times its population. This abundance of food is attributable to the industrialisation of the agri-food system and advanced technologies, which are long assumed to have solved the atavistic challenge of feeding people adequately.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoSIFT with Catherine McDaidCatherine (Cat) McDaid serves as the Quality Assurance Manager at the Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre in Western Australia. SIFT is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to fostering innovation within the food and beverage sector by providing businesses with access to advanced manufacturing equipment and expert guidance.
NewsMission MushVroom: Australian-led experiment to grow first mushrooms in spaceSpace is about to host its first crop of mushrooms in a groundbreaking experiment led by Australian company FOODiQ Global ‘Mission MushVroom’ will take place on Fram2, the first human spaceflight to explore Earth from a polar orbit launching aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as early as March 31, 2025 The experiment will test…
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoSIFT with Bravo GazpachoSee how Bravo Gazpacho works with FFS at SIFT WA to produce their top-quality gazpacho, blending tradition with innovation for the perfect taste
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoSIFT with EverboostWorking together to meet a growing demand. Loic Munso, founder of Everboost Sea Moss is currently utilising SIFT to scale-up production of his Sea Moss products.
ArticleOptimised fertigation improves yield and quality of cucumbers for resource efficiency and economic return in high-tech greenhousesIn 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.
ArticleQuality and safety of fresh Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) maintained by bubbling plasma-activated airThis paper highlights an exciting outcome on the potential of Cold Plasma technology for preserving fresh Spirulina. This breakthrough offers a promising alternative to traditional dried Spirulina products, making fresh Spirulina more accessible.
ArticleSonic-induced cellular vibrations unzip intertwined anther cone trichomes to trigger floral self-pollination and boost tomato fruit sizeIn 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.
ArticleEnhancing volatile retention and storage stability for encapsulated raspberry flavour powderIn this study, the research team of Miranda Yang, Dr Yong Wang, Dr Qianyu Ye, Brad Baker and Professor Cordelia Selomulya, investigate the effect of flavour solvents and surfactants on the encapsulation of raspberry flavour by spray drying and the subsequent storage stability.
ArticlePlant pathogens, microbiomes, and soil healthHealthy soil is vital for ecosystem sustainability and global food security. However, anthropogenic activities that promote intensive agriculture, landscape and biodiversity homogenization, and climate change disrupt soil health. The soil microbiome is a critical component of healthy soils, and increasing evidence suggests that soils with low diversity or homogenized microbial systems are more susceptible to…
NewsTake 5 w/ Kezia Yi Ya HsuWe caught up with Kezia Yi Ya Hsu, a third-year PhD candidate at the School of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney, to explore her research focus, anticipated outcomes, aspirations for the future and her Future Food Systems (FFS) project, Modelling a Sustainable Floor-Space Mix. Please tell us about the Future Food Systems project you are currently…
Media CoverageNew Head of School at UNSWProfessor Cordelia Selomulya has been appointed as the Head of the School of Chemical Engineering, UNSW Sydney. Prior to this appointment, Professor Selomulya served as the Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Engineering since 2022. Originally recruited to UNSW in 2019 to lead the Future Food Systems CRC as its Director of Research…
NewsCEO update – March 2025There’s been an additional amount of chatter recently around manufacturing goods here in Australia. At Future Food Systems (FFS), we continue to assist local industry through initiatives and projects that add value, foster partnerships, and help businesses unlock growth opportunities by developing collaborative ecosystems—contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agrifood sector.
NewsFlourishing through collaboration and knowledge sharing: For Food’s Sake 2025In February 2025, Coffs Harbour became the epicentre of food system innovation and connections as manufacturers, producers, businesses, researchers, and policymakers from across Australia gathered for Future Food Systems annual event, For Food’s Sake. Held from 26–28 February at Pacific Bay Resort, the three-day event featured a dynamic program, including workshops, site visits, a two-day…
Media CoverageTech-powered banana picking and more at the ARM Hub Industry DayThe Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub (ARM Hub) has celebrated half a decade at the forefront of Australia’s tech manufacturing sector with an Industry Day. Queensland-based research institute welcomed leaders and researchers from across manufacturing, AI and robotics to their HQ in Northgate, Brisbane, for a series of talks and networking events designed to help…
ArticleThe rhizosphere microbiome can sustainably protect field-grown tomato crops against soil-borne pathogens and plant parasitic nematodesRoots of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) are vulnerable to soil-borne pathogenic fungi, bacteria and nematodes. Current control methods for these biotic stressors have limitations, necessitating the need for new eco-friendly alternatives. The rhizosphere microbiome is an effective natural barrier to invasion by soil-borne pathogens, and there is scope to harness this inherent capacity to improve…
ArticleAnalyzing the Risk of Short-Term Losses in Free-Range Egg Production Using Commercial DataThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of short-term free-range egg production losses using data derived from a combination of sensing technologies and management activities.
ArticleThe Australian truffle industry: History, challenges and opportunitiesTuber melanosporum was first harvested in Australia in 1999, and exports began in 2007. Australia is now the world’s fourth-largest truffle producer. The main challenges Australian producers face are climate change, obtaining well-mycorrhized seedlings with no contaminants, and preventing entry of the contaminant species T. indicum and T. maculatum to Australia and T. brumale from…
ArticleBanana Peels: A Genuine Waste or a Wonderful Opportunity?Banana is the second-highest fruit produced in the world and is a staple food for over 400 million people. Only 40% of the crop is utilised, leading to 114 million tonnes of banana waste annually. Banana peel constitutes about ~40% of the whole fruit, and it is considered a domestic and food industry waste. It…
ArticleOptimal energy-efficient shade screen and ventilation control settings for a greenhouse covered with light-altering filmsIntroduction: Energy management in protected cropping is imperative to sustainably produce food. Optimal energy consumption in a protected cropping facility strongly depends on infrastructure control settings and meteorological conditions. This study aimed to optimise glasshouse energy management by investigating energy consumption under different shading, light-altering and ventilation conditions. Methods: We compared energy consumption used in…
ArticleSpi-VSTL: Image data collection platform using off-the shelf hardware for vertically supported crops in state-of-the-art glasshousesHorticulture crop growers are moving from conventional to protected crops, aiming for quality food production utilising fewer resources. Skilled labour for monitoring and maintaining crops in these compact environments has been identified as a major cost and can be reduced using automated image-based crop monitoring. There is a range of protected cropping infrastructures targeting different…
Media CoverageHow will Australia’s food industry change over the next 10, 20 and 50 yearsFuture Food Systems CEO Dr James Krahe, Research & Commercialisation Director Professor Cordelia Selomulya, and FOODiQ Global CEO Dr Flávia Fayet-Moore discuss the future of food, ecosystems, and value addition at For Food’s Sake in Coffs Harbour with ABC Reporter, Lauren Bohane`
Media CoverageLooking ahead at the future of Australia’s food industryABC Mid and North Coast Rural Reporter, Lauren Bohane talks to CEO, Dr James Krahe about Future Food Systems initiatives and the future of food
Media CoverageNational food summit underway in Coffs HarbourAlison Paul covers the For Food’s Sake Summit for NBN Mid North News
Media CoverageNew technology makes biosecurity responses easier for fruit growers$1.7 million Australian Tree Crop Map initiative uses mapping app to boost biosecurity for Australian fruit growers. The Australian Tree Crop Map project is delivered through Hort Innovation and led by an expert team at UNE’s Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre (AARSC) in collaboration with Future Food Systems.
ArticleAdvancements in atmospheric freeze-drying: Innovations, technology integration, quality and sustainability implications for food preservationAtmospheric freeze-drying (AFD) is a method of freeze-drying conducted at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures below the freezing point of water, using dry air for the preservation of foods and pharmaceutical products. AFD shows promise as a cost-effective alternative to traditional vacuum freeze-drying (VFD), particularly for industrial-scale applications. This review aims to explore recent advancements…
Media CoverageResearchers from Murdoch University are trying to figure out if the burgundy colour of Bravo apples makes them healthier than other varieties.Researchers from Murdoch University are trying to figure out if the burgundy colour of Bravo apples makes them healthier than other varieties.
Compliance and composition of herbal weight loss supplements and in vitro analysis of their safety using 1H NMR spectroscopyEmily C DaviesThesisCompliance and composition of herbal weight loss supplements and in vitro analysis of their safety using 1H NMR spectroscopyHerbal weight loss supplements (WLS) have become increasingly popular in recent years, however there is limited evidence to support their use. Regulation of herbal supplements by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is typically via a trust-based system, raising concerns for product composition, safety and overall quality. A growing number of these products have been implicated…
NewsCEO update – December 2024It has been an action-packed few months here at Future Food Systems (FFS), with new partnerships announced and exciting initiatives in the pipeline.
Media ReleaseCook Government applauds Bravo apple research collaborationHealth benefit verification to give Bravo apples competitive market advantage Value-add product development to create new apple snacks and juices Cook Government supporting innovative research throughout the food supply chain The Cook Government is backing research to create fresh opportunities in the wellness and value-add markets for Western Australian Bravo apples – boosting export potential…
ArticleAdvances in molecular genetics have increased knowledge of Tuber species’ life cycle and population genetic structure, indicating ways to improve yieldTruffles are possibly the only high-value cultivated organisms for which some aspects of the habit and life cycle have only recently been elucidated or remain unknown. Molecular techniques have helped explain the biological basis for some traditional empirical management techniques, such as inoculating soil with ascospores to improve yield, and have enhanced the detection of…
ArticleUnderstanding urban food systems: A spatial and temporal analysis in Sydney, AustraliaAs food is a daily necessity for people, research on urban food systems, targeting urban food-related social issues and highlighting the importance of urban food policies, has increased. Past research has focused on food policies that target various food-related problems in urban areas, such as affordable food, food access equality and other food security related…
NewsFor Food’s Sake announcement: the Summit program has arrivedThe For Food’s Sake Summit program is now live! Explore the future of food and the role of ecosystems, hear about cutting-edge innovations in automation and agritech, learn more about value-adding and native foods, and discover real-world examples of successful collaborations unlocking new economic opportunities, transforming the food landscape.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoLLEAF Showcase with Chris WilkinsChris Wilkins presenting a showcase from LLEAF (Research Showcase 2024)
Media CoverageAncient artichokes helping to unlock the secrets to good gut healthThe small Mt Lindesay farm in Denmark is providing some big insights into the health benefits of an ancient vegetable, the globe artichoke.
NewsCEO update – November 2024It has been an action-packed few months here at Future Food Systems (FFS), with new partnerships announced and exciting initiatives in the pipeline.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘Characterisation of capsaicinoids’ with Mursleen YasinWatch FFS PhD student Mursleen Yasin talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project
Media ReleaseFor Food’s Sake: Fostering collaboration for a prosperous and sustainable futureFuture Food Systems (FFS) proudly presents For Food’s Sake, an unmissable event poised to spark transformative collaborations in the agrifood sector, empowering both industry and communities to thrive.
Media ReleaseFlourish through collaboration: For Food’s Sake is heading to Coffs HarbourCoffs Harbour, renowned for its amazing coastal scenery and vibrant agrifood sector, is set to host the eagerly anticipated third summit, For Food’s Sake in February 2025. The event, organised by Future Food Systems (FFS), will play an important role in promoting key technologies, innovations, partnerships and trends shaping Australia’s food systems along with highlighting the region's commitment to quality and community-centred economic growth through its celebrated local producers, farmers, restaurateurs, brewers, artisans, and manufacturers.
FFS PublicationBackground Report for Developing Innovative Agrifood Ecosystems in Sunshine Coast SA4, QLDThis background report provides a comprehensive overview of contextual factors influencing food systems in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa region, also known as the Sunshine Coast SA4 region, in Queensland
ArticleA glasshouse light blocking film impacts Capsicum mesophyll ionic homeostasis and stomatal dynamics through altering light conditionsThe use of light-blocking film (LBF) is a promising strategy to reduce energy consumption in high-tech glasshouses. However, it also reduces specific light spectra which affect the physiological responses of plants. The LBF reduces 8–25% of canopy-level photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) while targeting a reduction in biologically irrelevant heat-generating light. Here, we investigated the mesophyll…
ArticleEnergy and fertigation consumption and economic viability of a light blocking film in greenhouse lettuce productionHigh-technology greenhouses offer a promising avenue for enhancing global food security, yet their high operational energy costs, associated with cooling, remain a significant barrier to extensive utilisation in crop production, particularly in warm regions. This study evaluates the impact of Light Blocking Film (LBF) and different cooling technologies on lettuce production in high-technology greenhouses in…
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘Characterisation of capsaicinoids’ with Dr Sunil PanchalWatch Dr Sunil Panchal talk about the 'Characterisation of capsaicinoids' FFS project
Media CoverageFuture Food Systems: connecting clusters, building ecosystemsIn this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to the CEO of Future Food Systems, Dr James Krahe, discussing the concept of clusters and ecosystems, their importance in the future of successful food systems and how Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre (FFS CRC) is fostering their creation.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoProgram 3 + SIFT overview with David DoepelDavid Doepel – Program 3 overview + Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies Centre (SIFT) (Research Showcase 2024)
Trans-Governance and Food Systems (Tr-GaF) for food policy integration: A case study of the Australian food policy landscapeLijun Summerhayes, Douglas BakerArticleTrans-Governance and Food Systems (Tr-GaF) for food policy integration: A case study of the Australian food policy landscapeThis paper presents the Trans-Governance and Food Systems (Tr-GaF) framework for food policy integration developed to evaluate the Australian food policy landscape.
FFS PublicationBackground Report for Food Hub Development in Coffs Harbour, NSWThis background report provides a comprehensive overview of the current food systems in the Coffs Harbour region, NSW, as part of the preparatory work for developing a food and agribusiness innovation hub.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoCoffs Agrifood Living Lab (CALL) with Dr Jack AdamsDr Jack Adams (QUT) – 'Coffs Agrifood Living Lab (CALL)' (FFS Research Showcase 2024)
Leafeon: Towards Accurate, Robust and Low-cost Leaf Water Content Sensing Using mmWave RadarHong Jia, Hao Qian, Wenyao Chen, Yihe Yan, Aaron Quigley, Chung Tung ChouPaperLeafeon: Towards Accurate, Robust and Low-cost Leaf Water Content Sensing Using mmWave RadarPlant sensing plays an important role in modern smart agriculture and the farming industry. Remote radio sensing allows for monitoring essential indicators of plant health, such as leaf water content.
ArticleFormulation challenges associated with microbial biofertilisers in sustainable agriculture and paths forwardSustainable increase in agriculture productivity is confronted by over-reliance and over-use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. With a market projection of $5.02 billion by 2030, biofertilizers are gaining momentum as a supplement and, in some cases, as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers can improve the nutritional supply to the plant and simultaneously can improve soil…
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoValue-adding to globe artichokes with Andrew TilleyAndrew Tilley (Murdoch University and FFS PhD student) – 'Value-adding to Globe Artichokes' (FFS Research Showcase 2024)
ArticleFood diversity and accessibility enabled urban environments for sustainable food consumption: a case study of Brisbane, AustraliaThis paper evaluates 500 online surveys conducted in Brisbane, Australia, to explore public perceptions of food consumption and the underlying challenges and opportunities.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoDevelopment of ultrasound and infrared radiation assisted Atmospheric Freeze Dryer with Nikunj NaliyadharaNikunj Naliyadhara (UNSW and FFS PhD student) – 'Development of Ultrasound and Infrared Radiation assisted Atmospheric Freeze Dryer' (FFS Research Showcase 2024)
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoOptimising blueberry fruit nutritional quality with Dr Richard Thomas and Gareema PandeyDr 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)
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoHow can the attributes consumers value be determined for NSW horticultural products with Dr Lisa TamDr Lisa Tam (QUT and FFS project leader) – 'How can the attributes consumers value be determined for NSW horticultural products' (FFS Research Showcase 2024)
MotionLeaf: Fine-grained Multi-Leaf Damped Vibration Monitoring for Plant Water Stress using Low-Cost mmWave SensorsMark Cardamis, Chun Tung Chou, Wen HuPaperMotionLeaf: Fine-grained Multi-Leaf Damped Vibration Monitoring for Plant Water Stress using Low-Cost mmWave SensorsIn this paper, we introduce MotionLeaf , a novel mmWave base multi-point vibration frequency measurement system that can estimate plant stress by analyzing the surface vibrations of multiple leaves. MotionLeaf features a novel signal processing pipeline that accurately estimates fine-grained damped vibration frequencies based on noisy micro-displacement measurements from a mmWave radar. Specifically we explore…
Media CoverageA farmer from the Great Southern has partnered with Murdoch University to trial different varieties of artichokesA farmer from the Great Southern has partnered with Murdoch University and Future Food Systems to trial different varieties of artichokes.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘Coffs Agrifood Living Lab’ with Dr Jack AdamsDr Jack Adams discusses the 'Coffs Agrifood Living Lab' project's background and goals.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘Improving plant proteins functionality and bioactivity’ with Dr Rishi NaikWatch Dr Rishi Naik talk about the 'Improving plant proteins functionality and bioactivity' FFS project
From Microbes to Microbiomes: Applications for Plant Health and Sustainable AgricultureGwyn A. Beattie, Kirsty L. Bayliss, Daniel A. Jacobson, Richard Broglie, Marleny Burkett-Cadena, Angela Sessitsch, Prasanna Kankanala, Joshua Stein, Kellye Eversole, and Ann Lichens-ParkArticleFrom Microbes to Microbiomes: Applications for Plant Health and Sustainable AgriculturePlant−microbe interaction research has had a transformative trajectory, from individual microbial isolate studies to comprehensive analyses of plant microbiomes within the broader phytobiome framework. Acknowledging the indispensable role of plant microbiomes in shaping plant health, agriculture, and ecosystem resilience, we underscore the urgent need for sustainable crop production strategies in the face of contemporary challenges.…
Stakeholder Perspectives on the Acceptability, Design, and Integration of Produce Prescriptions for People with Type 2 Diabetes in Australia: A Formative StudyJason Wu, Kristy Law, Kathy Trieu, Daisy Coyle, Kim Glover, Jenn MadzArticleStakeholder Perspectives on the Acceptability, Design, and Integration of Produce Prescriptions for People with Type 2 Diabetes in Australia: A Formative StudyProduce prescription programs can benefit both individuals and health systems; however, best practices for integrating such programs into the Australian health system are yet unknown. This study explored stakeholders’ perspectives on the acceptability, potential design and integration of produce prescription programs for adults with type 2 diabetes in Australia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit…
ArticlePC4C_CAPSI: Image data of capsicum plant growth in protected horticultureFeeding the increasing global population and reducing the carbon footprint of agricultural activities are two critical challenges of our century. Growing crops under protected horticulture and precise crop monitoring have emerged to address these challenges. Crop monitoring in commercial protected facilities remains mostly manual and labour intensive. Using computer vision to solve specific problems in…
Media ReleaseOn the rise: ARYZTA joins Future Food Systems as an industry partnerFuture Food Systems (FFS) is proud to announce the inclusion of international bakery company ARYZTA as an industry partner in the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). This partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing Australia's agrifood sector and fostering innovation in the industry.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Video‘Atmospheric Freeze-drying’ with Dr Francisco Trujillo & Nikunj NaliyadharaWatch Dr Francisco Trujillo & Nikunj Naliyadhara (PhD student) talk and give details about the 'Atmospheric Freeze-drying' FFS project
NewsCEO update – July 2024It has been an action-packed few months here at Future Food Systems (FFS), with new partnerships announced and exciting initiatives in the pipeline.
ArticleHarnessing co-evolutionary interactions between plant and Streptomyces for combatting drought stressStreptomyces is a drought-tolerant bacterial genus in soils, which forms close associations with plants to provide host resilience to drought stress. Here we synthesize the emerging research that illuminates the multifaceted interactions of Streptomyces spp. in both plant and soil environments. It also explores the potential co-evolutionary relationship between plants and Streptomyces spp. to forge…
News‘Atmospheric Freeze-drying’ with Dr Francisco Trujillo & Nikunj Naliyadhara (PhD student)Watch Dr Francisco Trujillo & Nikunj Naliyadhara (PhD student) talk and give details about the 'Atmospheric Freeze-drying' FFS project
ArticleCo-working office spaces in Sydney: Spatiotemporal dynamics and industry patternsCo-working spaces have emerged as cost-effective office space management solutions for workers from diverse industries who share space, which generates cost savings and facilitates networking opportunities. Past studies have mainly focused on needs for and benefits of co-working spaces and range in emphasis from design preferences to potential social and economic impacts. However, limited attention…
Capsaicinoids from Sustainable Capsicum Production for Nutraceutical DevelopmentMursleen Yasin, Michelle Donovan-Mak, Zhong-Hua Chen and Sunil K. PanchalPublicationCapsaicinoids from Sustainable Capsicum Production for Nutraceutical DevelopmentCapsicum genus is enriched with a group of metabolites called capsaicinoids, responsible for the pungency of these plants, along with health-beneficial effects such as analgesic, antimicrobial, anticancer and antiobesity effects. Capsaicinoids are a group of alkaloids that are produced in the placenta of Capsicum fruits (capsicums and chillies) and then travel to other parts like…
FFS PublicationFuture Food Systems Company profileFounded in July 2019, Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre partners leading Australian universities with industry and government bodies to deliver impactful research in the food systems domain.
ArticleInsights into multi-component digestion and antioxidant release from plant protein-seaweed-based Maillard conjugate-MRP systemsMaillard conjugation to modify protein functionality results in the formation of a protein-polysaccharide complex. The resultant conjugate mixture is rich in different Maillard reaction products (MRP) and unreacted components. The investigation pertaining to the digestion and intestinal fate of these components is challenging due to the multitude of effects and interactions between different components. This…
ToolAustralian Tree Crop MapAustralian horticultural industries, including avocado, macadamia, citrus, olive, and banana, have collaborated to develop the ‘Australian Tree Crop Map (ATCM) Dashboard’, a national spatial dataset that accurately identifies the location and area of all commercial orchards larger than one hectare. Built to national mapping standards and openly accessible, the ATCM represents a landmark achievement in multi-industry data sharing and coordination. This project will now expand the map’s value by linking each orchard polygon with detailed industry-specific information such as crop variety, planting dates, management practices, and productivity metrics. By enriching the spatial layer with these attributes, the platform becomes a dynamic decision-support tool for stakeholders across the supply chain. The enhanced ATCM will support a wide array of agricultural outcomes, including improved traceability, market access, biosecurity preparedness, yield forecasting, and assessments of carbon storage and drought resilience. It sets a new standard for spatial data use across Australian agriculture, showcasing the power of collaboration and open-access platforms to drive innovation and build resilience across the sector. Ultimately, this initiative bridges the gap between spatial intelligence and on-ground productivity, reinforcing Australia’s global leadership in agri-digital infrastructure.
NewsFFS Research & Commercialisation Director elected to American food instituteProf. Cordelia Selomulya, FFS Research & Commercialisation Director and UNSW professor, has been recognised for her research and leadership in powdered food ingredients.
NewsUsing robotics to surmount labour challenges in commercial horticultureFrom mobile platforms to deliver automated crop-tending services to banana de-handing robots, QUT's Dr Chris Lehnert is helping cut labour costs to Australia’s indoor cropping sector.
NewsFFS-backed research recognised in prestigious academic journalsSeveral Future Food Systems-backed PhD students and project leads have had research papers published this year,
NewsFFS project and program leads go globalFuture Food Systems Program and Project leads have been travelling in recent weeks, sharing knowledge, forging connections and promoting FFS’s collaborative research.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 46 – April 2024Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 46 – April 2024Melville Park: a value-adding story David Doepel and Barbara Connell are life partners, serial entrepreneurs and co-custodians of historic Melville Park farm. Here, they’re collaborating with researchers, students and local businesses to add value to premium produce – from herbs and heirloom fruit and veg to the milk of the neighbour’s cows. Read more Agrifood…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 45 – March 2024Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 45 – March 2024FFS hosts successful For Food’s Sake Summit Our in-person Summit saw more than 120 stakeholders from agrifood, research and government sectors gather at Murdoch University and 6HEAD Perth to engage in spirited discussions around how we can collaborate to create more healthy, resilient, sustainable, productive and profitable food systems. For those of you who didn’t…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 44 – February 2024Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 44 – February 2024Message from the CEO The excitement is building for a huge week in Western Australia in late February, with Future Food Systems’ (FFS’s) very own For Food’s Sake Summit occurring on February 22, along with a number of agrifood-related events happening in the West. The chance to network and develop new partnerships with industry, research…
ArticleReduced fertigation input sustains yield and physiological performance for improved economic returns and cleaner production of greenhouse eggplantGreenhouse horticulture, a sustainable alternative to conventional horticulture, maximises resource use and return for vegetable production. This study evaluated the impact of varying nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC) levels (EC 1.8, 2.8, and 3.8) on eggplant cultivars (Solanum melongena L. cv. Lydia, and Tracey) performance and economic viability in high-tech glasshouses. We found that morphological…
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoBioactive components for value-add to Australian artichokes with Dr Mark McHenry, Dr Ruey Leng Loo and Andrew TilleyDr 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.
NewsHighlighting the Central Coast’s dynamic food, beverage and manufacturing sceneIn July. Future Food Systems staff, research leads and PhDs represented FFS, our projects and our mission at conferences and agrifood events nationwide.
Glasshouse films offer energy saving & productivity potential (VG21006)AUSVEGPodcastGlasshouse films offer energy saving & productivity potential (VG21006)On the western outskirts of Sydney stands a glasshouse a little reminiscent of a cathedral window. Part of the facility glows pink in the afternoon sun, and part a pale blue. The vibrant colours come from special films applied to the glass, which are being trialled for their potential to reduce energy use and increase…
NewsEmbarking on the journey of economic ecosystems: Paving the way for agrifood prosperityAustralia’s agrifood sector is witnessing the dawn of a powerful solution aimed at dismantling barriers and propelling businesses towards success: economic ecosystems.
NewsMeet Romina Rader: insect pollinator expert UNE Professor Romina Rader’s focus is on plant–animal interactions in natural and human-modified environments - in particular, the role pollinators play in horticultural cropping.
Agronomic Investigations of Australian Native Rice Species to Support Indigenous Enterprise Development in Tropical Northern AustraliaGehan Tarek Eltaher AbdelghanyThesisAgronomic Investigations of Australian Native Rice Species to Support Indigenous Enterprise Development in Tropical Northern AustraliaAustralian native Oryza species have potential for commercial cultivation due to their high nutritional grain profile, and their long association with Australian First Nations peoples. These species exhibit potential as high-value, niche foods, with cultural significance and nutritional benefits, particularly in gourmet cuisine, tourism, dining establishments, and value-added products. Consequently, they are considered promising candidates…
NewsQ&A: Nicole McNaughton on cluster gains and growing painsThe CEO of South East Queensland-based Food & Agribusiness Network talks about inspiring, growing and sustaining an agrifood industry cluster in regional Australia.
NewsNurturing growth: Dr James Krahe’s vision for thriving agrifood clustersFuture Food Systems CEO James Krahe, a cluster establishment expert formerly with FIAL, gives his top tips into what clusters should strive for and avoid if they're to succeed long-term.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 43 – December 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 43 – December 2023Message from the CEO As we approach the end of another remarkable year at Future Food Systems (FFS), I want to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for each one of you. It’s been an extraordinary journey and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. This year has brought its fair…
NewsFuture Food Systems – Collaborating to foster agrifood clusters across Australia Collaborative Future Food Systems projects and initiatives are providing powerful tools to help establish and promote successful, sustainable regional agrifood clusters in areas of comparative advantage across Australia.
NewsLijun Summerhayes, PhD: Exploring Aussie agrifood clustersFuture Food Systems’ first graduated PhD has gone from researching urban food policy to a paid role at her alumnus, QUT, exploring agrifood clusters across Australia.
NewsMelville Park farm: a value-adding storyDavid Doepel and wife Barbara Connell are co-custodians of historic Melville Park Farm, where they’re collaborating with researchers and local businesses to add value to primary produce.
NewsScoping the Sunshine Coast agrifood ecosystemSunshine Coast cluster FAN is teaming with experts at QUT to ascertain what local agribusinesses need and how they can team up to reduce costs.
NewsTake 5 w/ Prof. Brian Sindel, FFS Education DirectorA Q&A with FFS Education Director Prof. Brian Sindel
How levies work, more efficient glasshouses, on-farm food wasteVegaloguePodcastHow levies work, more efficient glasshouses, on-farm food wasteVegalogue is a podcast from Australian vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG. Each month we take a look at issues affecting the Australian vegetable, potato and onion sectors, unpacking levy-funded research and meeting some of the incredible people who make up the vegetable industry. 🌱 This month, we discuss: How the Australian horticulture levy system works,…
ArticleA light-blocking greenhouse film differentially impacts climate control energy use and capsicum productionHigh-tech protected cropping holds great potential to improve global food security, but high cooling energy costs in warm climates pose difficulties in propagating the industry. Emerging technologies, such as diffuse glasses fitted with photoselective thin films, have interactions with crops and other cooling technologies which are not well-characterized for warm-climate glasshouses. A light-blocking film (LBF)…
ArticleMachine vision based plant height estimation for protected crop facilitiesThe increasing demand for quality, year-round food production in limited space has led to the widespread adoption of protected cropping. Effectively monitoring and maintaining crops within these facilities requires substantial labour and expertise. Traditional manual monitoring is labour intensive and time consuming. Therefore, non-destructive image-based techniques, particularly those utilising 3D structural data, have gained attention.…
NewsFuture foods facility to fast-track new product development in WAMurdoch University is the first Western Australian university to partner with the state government in a new commercial food factory that will help food and beverage businesses develop value-added food products for local consumption and global export. The Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre – the result of a WA Government partnership with Future Food…
NewsFFS PhD student finds cost-effective hands-free way to estimate plant height in protected cropping facilitiesNamal Jayasuriya’s research at Western Sydney University using machine vision to estimate crop-height, a proxy for vegetative growth, has been published in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.
NewsFor Food’s Sake Summit tours: SIFT opening and Melville Park farmGuests who joined our recent day tours of the new SIFT facility at FIPWA and Melville Park farm glimpsed the collaborative future of food innovation and value-adding in WA
NewsFFS hosts successful Summit: For Food’s Sake – fostering collaboration and innovation in WA’s agrifood sectorThe recent For Food’s Sake Summit hosted by Future Food Systems at Murdoch University, Perth, was a testament to the vibrancy and potential of Western Australia’s agrifood industry. Supported by Murdoch University, the event convened stakeholders from diverse sectors to delve into the critical role of collaboration in driving innovation. Prof. Len Collard, an Indigenous…
NewsevokeAG 2024 takeaways: Sideline eventsThis year's evokeAG conference was a mix of plenary and panel sessions. with sessions covering the spectrum of hot topics in ag-tech, from AI to indigenous IP.
NewsevokeAG 2024 takeaways: Conference sessionsThis year's evokeAG conference was a mix of plenary and panel sessions. with sessions covering the spectrum of hot topics in ag-tech, from AI to indigenous IP.
NewsevokeAG 2024 takeaways: The ExchangeThe exhibition floor was ‘connect central’ at evokeAG Perth, with Future Food System’s shared Hospitality Pavilion providing a natural meeting-point.
Media CoverageBanana industry turns to robots and AI for ‘dangerous’ packing-shed task of cutting fruit from stemIt takes a bit of effort to get bananas from the farm to the fruit bowl, with growers relying on a significant workforce to pick and pack each harvest. Now, scientists are working with the industry to develop a prototype robot arm to separate the banana fruit from the stalk, a labour-intensive process known as de-handing.
Media CoverageRobotic arm under development to automate banana de-handingThe A$2m research programme will use computer vision and machine learning to find an automation solution Australian scientists are researching and developing new technology to build a robotic arm that will automate the repetitive and intensive parts of banana processing. The research will be delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the Queensland University of Technology…
Media CoverageValue-add food production gets boost with new plantA new $12.2 million food and beverage manufacturing centre in Western Australia will be open to all food and beverage businesses that are looking for low-risk environment to scale up production. The Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies Centre (SIFT) will offer common use of manufacturing equipment at a subsidised rate. SIFT is based at the Food…
Media CoverageSustainable, Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre at Food Innovation Precinct of WA opening FridayBusiness owners are urged to enjoy a taste of the benefits of a new food and beverage manufacturing centre set to open in the Peel region this Friday. The Sustainable, Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre is opening in the Food Innovation Precinct of WA (FIPWA) at the Peel Business Park to give businesses without access…
NewsEmpowering smarter food consumption with sensorsBy creating colour-changing sensors that detect spoilage in real time, nanotech experts at UNSW hope to change the way we consume everyday food products, reducing food waste.
Media ReleaseCollaborating for the future of foodRepresentatives spanning Australia's agrifood, research and governmental sectors are set to converge on Western Australia this week for Future Food Systems’ pinnacle event, For Food's Sake.
Media CoverageMulti-million-dollar food manufacturing centre open in WAA new innovative food manufacturing centre, which is set to open in Western Australia, will help boost local food and beverage manufacturing, as well as drive growth in the state’s value-added food production. The WA government has invested $12.2 million into the establishment of the Sustainable, Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre located within the Food…
Media CoverageBanana industry turns to robots and AI for ‘dangerous’ packing-shed task of cutting fruit from stemIt’s often top of the list of Australia’s most popular fruit, finding its way into lunch boxes and smoothies across the country every day. But it takes a bit of effort to get bananas from the farm to the fruit bowl, with growers relying on a significant workforce to pick and pack each harvest. Now…
NewsRobots to make banana processing more a-peelingHort Innovation, QUT, ARM Hub and Australian Hydraulics Services are collaborating with Future Food Systems in a $2M project to automate the labour-intensive job of de-handing bananas.
ArticleImpacts of biostimulants on crop yield and biological activity under drought conditionsBiostimulants are proposed to have a role in sustainable food production and are being increasingly used strategies to limit the negative effects of drought stress on crop yield and soil health. However, how different biostimulants used alone, or in combination with conventional management approaches affect soil health and crop yield under drought in different soils…
NewsQ&A with Mei Yong, CEO – My PlantCoAs we approach the end of another remarkable year at Future Food Systems, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for each one of you. It's been an extraordinary journey, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together.
Autonomous robotic platforms for greenhouseshttps://research.qut.edu.au/Reference MaterialAutonomous robotic platforms for greenhousesThe goal of this project is to research and develop a fully autonomous robotic crop management system for protected cropping systems that will help the horticulture industry reduce the risk of crop loss and improve productivity by having the right information to make better decisions. A new crop monitoring and automation robot is currently being…
ArticleAssessing the effect of Maillard reaction products on the functionality and antioxidant properties of Amaranth-red seaweed blendsRishi Naik’s research paper investigates alternative ways to utilise the Maillard conjugation process (used to ‘brown’ food and enrich its flavour) to develop nutraceutical and functional foods with enhanced health benefits. This research paper is in collaboration with UNSW Professor Cordelia Selomulya, Dr Qianyu Ye and Dr Yong Wang.
Image based Crop Monitoring Technologies in Protected Horticulture: A ReviewEranda Namal Jayasuriya, Yi Guo, Wen Hu, Oula GhannoumPaperImage based Crop Monitoring Technologies in Protected Horticulture: A ReviewFuture food security is a major concern of the 21st century with the growing global population and climate changes. In addressing these challenges, protected cropping ensures food production year-round and increases crop production per land area by controlling environment conditions. Maintaining the growth and health of crops in these facilities is essential to ensure optimum…
ThesisAn integrated computational and collaborative approach for city resilience planningGiven the rise in climate change-related extreme events, there is an urgent need for cities and regions to implement resilience plans based on data and evidence and developed in collaboration with key stakeholders. However, current planning and decision-making processes rely on limited data and modelling. Moreover, stakeholder engagement is significantly inhibited by social, political, and…
ReportA national map of protected cropping systemsThe ‘National Mapping of Protected Cropping Systems’ project delivered the first national baseline map of all commercial protected cropping systems (PCS) in Australia, published as the ‘Australian Protected Cropping Map Dashboard’ (Figure 1). The map developed with the Future Food Systems CRC, Protected Cropping Australia Ltd and NSW Local Land Services identifies 13,932 ha of…
NewsPhD student pitches impress FFS Shark TankFive Future Food Systems-backed PhD students pitched their research to a 'Shark Tank'-style panel of experts at the annual Networking Night. Which was the most convincing?
An integrated computational and collaborative approach for city resilience planningDebnath, RipanFFS PublicationAn integrated computational and collaborative approach for city resilience planningGiven the rise in climate change-related extreme events, there is an urgent need for cities and regions to implement resilience plans based on data and evidence and developed in collaboration with key stakeholders. However, current planning and decision-making processes rely on limited data and modelling. Moreover, stakeholder engagement is significantly inhibited by social, political, and…
NewsMessage from the CEOAs we approach the end of another remarkable year at Future Food Systems, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for each one of you. It's been an extraordinary journey, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together.
ArticleLight blocking film in a glasshouse impacts Capsicum annuum L. yield differentially across planting seasonHigh energy costs are a barrier to producing high-quality produce at protected cropping facilities. A potential solution to mitigate high energy costs is film technology, which blocks heat-producing radiation; however, the alteration of the light environment by these films may impact crop yield and quality. Previous studies have assessed the impact of ULR 80 [i.e.,…
ArticleA multifaceted approach to developing an Australian national map of protected cropping structuresAs the global population rises, there is an ever-increasing demand for food, in terms of volume, quality and sustainable production. Protected Cropping Structures (PCS) provide controlled farming environments that support the optimum use of crop inputs for plant growth, faster production cycles, multiple growing seasons per annum and increased yield, while offering greater control of…
Destinations of agricultural commodities originating from the Namoi regionHoon Han, Ripan DebnathToolDestinations of agricultural commodities originating from the Namoi region
NewsNetworking Night and AGM wrap up a year of success for FFSBack-to-back events at UNSW Sydney's CBD campus on 6 and 8 December capped off another successful year for Future Food Systems CRC.
ArticleAltered dietary behaviour during pregnancy impacts systemic metabolic phenotypesRationale: Evidence suggests consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) can positively impact both maternal and offspring health, potentially mediated by a beneficial effect on inflammatory pathways. We aimed to apply metabolic profiling of serum and urine samples to assess differences between women who were stratified into high and low alignment to a MD throughout pregnancy…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 42 – December 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 42 – December 2023FFS Networking Night Tue 5 December, 5:30 – 8:00pm, UNSW CBD Campus, 1 O’Connell Street, Level 6 Sydney, NSW 2000 | Cost: FREE As we approach the close of 2023, Future Food Systems invites all our partners to an informal gathering to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of the past year. This is an opportunity…
NewsVictualis 2 highlights ACT’s food resilience challenges – and the power of collaborationHosted by FFS partner RDA ACT, the Victualis 2 dinner brought together key players in the region’s agrifood sector for an info-packed evening focused on sustainable, resilient urban food systems.
Media CoverageCoffs Harbour’s collaborative approach to the agrifood industryNETWORKING opportunities and creating new connections were declared as two winning outcomes from the 60-plus stakeholders who attended the Coffs Agrifood Living Lab (CALL) launch at Yarrila Place on October 25. Facilitated by the CALL project team, Dr Ozgur Dedehayir and Jack Adams from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the event provided a preview of…
Media CoverageAustralian CEA mushroom production technology gets $2.1M research boostThe Queensland research team will focus on exotic and native mushroom cultivation. Researchers at Australia’s Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are rounding out the year with good news. They’ve been awarded $2.1 million to advance technologies aimed at expanding the country’s controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) exotic and native mushroom production. Driven in part by Australia’s burgeoning domestic demand…
NewsAngus Dingley, PhD student: Improving warm-zone raspberry cultivationUNE's Angus Dingley is exploring how temperature extremes affect pollination in polytunnels to help growers produce more and better berries.
NewsSecond PhD student graduates from Future Food Systems cohortWe congratulate Ripan Debnath on taking out his PhD from UNSW and for securing a new role as a Consultant for the University of Newcastle's Institute for Regional Futures.
ThesisUrban food planning in Australia: Enabling and constraining factorsThis paper theoretically examines the development of urban food planning and systematically explores the factors that enable and hinder its integration with Australian planning systems
NewsFFS CEO Dr James Krahe – Q&AAt the end of his transformative 12-month tenure as FFS CEO, we sat down with Dr James Krahe to delve into his academic journey, hear about significant milestones in his career, and gain insight into his enthusiasm for collaboration and its power to bring about transformative real-world outcomes.
NewsGareema Pandey: Optimising nutritional content in polytunnel-grown blueberriesAs CRC Industry PhD student attached to the 'Blueberry nutritional optimisation' project, Gareema Pandey is working with crop scientists and sustainability experts at Western Sydney University and NSW Department of Primary Industries to improve the nutritional profile of blueberries grown undercover.
ArticleNovel transcriptome networks are associated with adaptation of capsicum fruit development to a light-blocking glasshouse filmLight-blocking films (LBFs) can contribute to significant energy savings for protected cropping via altering light transmitting, such as UVA, photosynthetically active radiation, blue and red spectra affecting photosynthesis, and capsicum yield. Here, we investigated the effects of LBF on orange color capsicum (O06614, Capsicum annuum L.) fruit transcriptome at 35 (mature green) and 65 (mature…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 41 – November 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 41 – November 2023Meet the Summit speakers The speaker lineup for Future Food Systems’ For Food’s Sake Summit in Perth continues to grow: Register now to hear from Nicole McNaughton, CEO of Sunshine Coast agrifood cluster the Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN); cellular agriculture expert Prof. Johannes Le Coutre; Noongar Land Enterprise Group’s Alan Beattie; Dr Sally Buck…
NewsChina welcomes Future Food Systems’ ‘Future farming’ Program LeadDistinguished Professor David Tissue’s recent trip included visits to former students and leading research institutions, a gigantic flux tower tour and some memorable dinners.
NewsExpert research team to extend Australian Tree Crop Map in $1.7m collaborationUniversity of New England mapping experts are again teaming with Hort Innovation in a significant collaboration to extend the national tree-crop map.
NewsCoffs Harbour’s collaborative spirit shines at the launch of CALLIn the picturesque coastal city of Coffs Harbour, the collaborative spirit was in full swing as the Coffs Agrifood Living Lab (CALL) launched at Yarrila Place on October 25
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoExpanding Australia’s truffle cultivation industry with Mahesh GalappaththiWorking 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.
NewsLLEAF takes its sunlight-shifting, growth-enhancing films globalSydney-based SME LLEAF has secured a global distributor for its innovative light-spectra-shifting agricultural film, shown to boost crop yields by up to 20%.
FFS Publication2022/23 Annual ReportThe Future Food Systems CRC 2022/2023 Annual Report provides an overview of project achievements, financials, CRC case studies and highlights of the fourth year of operation.
Robotic Task Automation in Protected Cropping Systems: enabling autonomous pollination in Australian greenhouses using mobile robotsJohn Skinner, Garima Samvedi, Jordan Erskine, Chris LehnertPaperRobotic Task Automation in Protected Cropping Systems: enabling autonomous pollination in Australian greenhouses using mobile robotsThis final report encapsulates the joint effort between Queensland University of Technology and P’Petual Holdings Pty Ltd in developing an autonomous mobile robot for enhancing the pollination process in greenhouses, particularly for Tomberry tomatoes. This initiative aimed to integrate and elevate P’Petual’s proprietary pollination system with autonomous capabilities, thereby addressing the labour-intensive and costly aspects…
NewsFiona Simson departs NFF to represent Aussie farmers on global stageThe National Farmers’ Federation’s first female President stepped down on 25 October to take on a global advocacy role as a Director of the World Farmers’ Organisation.
Media ReleaseExpanding collaborative networks: Food and Agribusiness Network joins Future Food Systems as program partnerFuture Food Systems (FFS) CEO Dr James Krahe has announced the inclusion of agrifood industry Cluster the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) as a core collaborating participant in the CRC. The partnership is set to accelerate the Sunshine Coast-based cluster’s activities and progress towards key milestones, enabling FAN to leverage Future Food Systems’ nationwide connections to research, industry and government. The collaboration is expected to benefit the agrifood sector, not just in Queensland but across Australia.
Media ReleaseBringing agrifood stakeholders together to drive collaboration and value-adding innovation in Coffs HarbourStakeholders from across Coffs Harbour’s agrifood sector are set to come together on October 25 to celebrate the launch of an exciting new project, the Coffs Agrifood Living Lab (CALL), designed to boost the region’s economic potential, increase food production and foster a sustainable, resilient local agrifood network.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 40 – October 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 40 – October 2023Meet Dr Natasha Teakle, Summit speaker Dr Natasha ‘Tash’ Teakle comes from a WA farming family and spent eight years as an agricultural researcher and lecturer at the Universities of Western Australia, Glasgow, Southern California and Sydney before being becoming the head of start-up accelerator AgriStart in 2016. Last year, she was appointed Chair of…
ArticleMicrobial inoculants with higher capacity to colonise soils improved wheat drought toleranceMicrobial inoculants have gained increasing attention worldwide as an eco-friendly solution for improving agriculture productivity. Several studies have demonstrated their potential benefits, such as enhanced resistance to drought, salinity, and pathogens. However, the beneficial impacts of inoculants remain inconsistent. This variability is attributed to limited knowledge of the mechanisms by which microbial inoculants affect crop…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 39 – September 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 39 – September 2023FFS Summit discounted earlybird tickets on sale Planning is in full swing for For Food’s Sake: It’s our future in February. We’ve now launched a dedicated event portal, so you can check out the agenda, confirmed speakers and sponsors, details about our Gala Dinner at the prestigious 6HEAD restaurant in Perth, and more. Tickets for…
NewsWhat do Australian consumers want when buying fruit & veg?NSW DPI is collaborating with QUT and farmers state-wide in research that aims to establish what drives consumers' fresh-produce purchases – knowledge growers can use to craft personalised marketing messages.
Media CoveragePutting energy into things that matter – Mark McHenryark McHenry is a physicist, an innovator and an explorer of clean energy solutions. He’s worked on research projects in America, the Philippines and Mozambique and is an Associate Professor at Murdoch Uni’s Harry Butler Institute. He is also an avid organic veggie grower who loves sharing his passion for all things “geeky”. “The way…
NewsFuture Food Systems’ first PhD student graduatesQUT PhD student Lijun ‘Lucy’ Summerhayes, whose research explored urban food policy in Australia, was awarded her doctorate in September.
NewsMeet W. Alexander Donald: Chemical analysis & mass spectrometry expertScientia A/Prof. Donald's love of mass spectrometry took him from UC Berkeley to UNSW; where his research includes leading an exciting FFS project with All G Foods.
ArticleExploring the relationship between blueberry size and antioxidant contentBlueberries are a widely consumed superfood, known for their potent phytochemical content and health benefits. Given their importance to the global food market and the current health culture, blueberries are the focal point of much inquiry into their composition, physiological benefits, and the effect of growing conditions on the quality of the final berry. Given…
NewsProduce prescriptions: Delivering free fruit & veg to cut T2D costs Could a six-month dose of free fresh produce lead to improved health in food-insecure Australians with type-2 diabetes? The George Institute and UNSW are working with Harris Farm Markets to find out.
NewsFFS team flies west for pre-Summit planning & FIPWA workshopIn August, FFS team members flew west for a series of stakeholder meetings, visits to Mt Lindesay and Melville Park farms and delivery of an FFS-FIPWA workshop.
ArticleCurrent Technologies and Target Crops in Protected CroppingProtected cropping offers a way to bolster food production in the face of climate change and deliver healthy food sustainably with fewer resources. However, to make this way of farming economically viable, we need to consider the status of protected cropping in the context of available technologies and corresponding target horticultural crops. This review outlines…
ArticleA Novel Cover Material Improves Cooling Energy and Fertigation Efficiency for Glasshouse Eggplant ProductionGlasshouses hold the potential to improve global food security, but high energy costs are an ongoing challenge in bringing them to the forefront of agriculture in warm climates. Here, the energy-saving potential of a ‘Smart Glass’ (SG), diffuse glass fitted with ULR-80 film which permits transmission of 85% of photosynthetically-active light and blocks heat-generating radiation, was characterised…
NewsClaudia Vacca, PhD student: Boosting resilience in Broccolini™Western Sydney University PhD student Claudia Vacca has spent their career studying plant pathogens, from trees to potatoes, developing new ways for early detection and intervention.
ArticlePolymer and photo-selective covers on plant and fruit development: A reviewGrowers have increasingly adopted protected cropping in tunnels or greenhouses to ensure sustainability and continuous crop productivity against a backdrop of climate change. The predominant types of covers used in controlled-environment agriculture are polymer-based shade nets or structures covered with polymer sheets. These have three main functions: (1) physical protection from birds, hail, and excessive…
Trade in the Digital Age: Agreements to Mitigate FragmentationFelicity Deane, Emily Woolmer, Shoufeng Cao and Kieran TranterArticleTrade in the Digital Age: Agreements to Mitigate FragmentationCross-border data flow is essential to contemporary international trade. However, transitioning from paper to digital in international trade has benefits and concerns. Concerns have led to an upsurge in data regulation as nations and regions impose restrictions on data flows and storage. This paper argues that, with increasing concerns about data sovereignty, the reconciliation of…
Produce Prescription for Type 2 Diabetes in AustraliaThe George Institute for Global HealthPublicationProduce Prescription for Type 2 Diabetes in AustraliaThis project will test the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of produce prescription in a randomised controlled trial as a novel way of improving the clinical management of people with type 2 diabetes and food insecurity. In addition, we will partner with research end-users to understand the governance and infrastructure required to facilitate uptake of produce prescription…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 38 – August 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 38 – August 2023Australia’s first agrifood-focused Living Lab coming to Coffs The City of Coffs Harbour, Queensland University of Technology and Future Food Systems will work together to establish an open-ecosystem ‘Living Lab’ where stakeholders can connect, collaborate and co-develop innovations that add value to Coffs’ agrifood sector. The first project for Lab members? Co-designing the concept for…
NewsMeet Elnaz Irannezhad: freight transport and logistics expertThriving in the male-dominated fields of freight and logistics is no easy feat. But Dr Elli Irannezhad is no ordinary woman.
NewsFuture Food Systems represented at events around the worldIn July. Future Food Systems staff, research leads and PhDs represented FFS, our projects and our mission at conferences and agrifood events nationwide.
NewsPlanet-friendly F&B packaging projects unwrappedIndustry partner FP Paradigm is teaming with UNSW scientists in a series of projects that aim to develop food and beverage packaging that is smarter, safer and more sustainable.
News‘Living Lab’ to drive value-adding innovation in Coffs Harbour’s agrifood sectorA new Future Food Systems project will establish Australia’s first food-focused ‘Living Lab’ to foster creative collaboration among stakeholders in Coffs’ agrifood ecosystem, including co-designing the concept for a dedicated food innovation and logistics precinct for the region.
NewsMazadul Islam, PhD student: Making glasshouse fertigation more sustainableFFS PhD student Mazadul Islam is working with experts in two nations to find more sustainable ways to fertigate indoor vegetable crops.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoA unique vertical farming system with Vertical PatchThe Vertical Patch team explains the company’s state-of-the-art indoor growing system.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoCollaborating to deliver state-of-the-art produce with 6HEAD and Vertical PatchHere, the Vertical Patch team explains the company’s state-of-the-art indoor growing system and 6HEAD discusses its ongoing win-win relationship with this unusual supplier.
NewsHort Innovation explores tech-enabled solutions to berry-sector labour woesHort Innovation consulted berry growers Australia-wide to identify viable, cost-effective technology to address one of the sector’s greatest challenges: harvesting labour.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoPhenolics in globe artichokes with Andrew TilleyMurdoch University PhD student Andrew Tilley presenting 'Phenolics in Globe Artichokes' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoNovel microbiome technologies to increase profitability for Australian horticulture with Assoc. Prof. Kirsty BaylissMurdoch University Assoc. Prof. Kirsty Bayliss presenting 'Novel microbiome technologies to increase profitability for Aus horticulture' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoAdvanced analytics for value-added solutions with Dr Ruey Leng LooMurdoch University's Dr Ruey-Leng Loo presenting 'Advanced Analytics for Value-Added Solutions' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoNovel bio-based solutions for effective management of key root pathogens with Dr Hongwei LiuWSU's Dr Hongwei Liu presenting 'Novel bio-based solutions for effective management of key root pathogens' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoSustainable fertigation for high yield and quality vegetables in protected cropping with Prof. Zhonghua ChenWSU Prof. Zhonghua Chen presenting 'Sustainable fertigation for high yield and quality vegetables in Protected Cropping' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoMicrobial rhizosphere diversity in glasshouse hydroponic crops with Phil ThomasUNE PhD student Phil Thomas presenting 'Microbial rhizosphere diversity in glasshouse hydroponic crops' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoHow does urban food planning occur in Australia? with Lijun SummerhayesQUT PhD student Lijun Summerhayes presenting 'How does urban food planning occur in Australia?' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoTowards a Smart Agribusiness Sector in the Namoi with Prof. Hoon HanUNSW Prof. Hoon Han presenting 'Towards a Smart Agribusiness Sector in the Namoi' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoCircular economy framework to manufacture sustainable construction materials with Natalie AaronUNSW PhD student Natalie Aaron presenting 'Circular economy framework to manufacture sustainable construction materials' at the 2023 FFS Research Showcase
ArticlePotassium transport and use efficiency for sustainable fertigation in protected croppingThe increasing demand for high-quality horticultural produces in global markets has driven the growing crop production under protected cropping, which are usually more efficient in fertilizer use compared to field cultivation. As one of the key macronutrients, available potassium (K+) resources have decreased due to the expansion of intensive agriculture and excessive use of K…
NewsLLEAF launches vast ‘solar lab’ on Sydney’s Northern BeachesFFS partner LLEAF has opened a large-scale ‘solar laboratory’ to trial its light-spectrum-shifting, crop yield-boosting agricultural films in commercial glasshouse conditions.
NewsUNSW professor recognised as one of Republic of Korea’s key academic leadersFFS project lead and UNSW Professor Hoon Han was one of 18 Korean academics worldwide chosen to meet the Republic of Korea’s President.
NewsPhD progress report: Gehan Abdelghany, ‘Commercialising native rice’ projectDarwin-based FFS PhD scholar Gehan Abdelghany's research is contributing valuable agronomic information to the FFS-backed ‘Commercialising native rice’ project.
NewsFirst national map of Australia’s protected cropping structures launchedLaunched in mid-July, Australia’s first national map of PC systems enables accurate yield forecasting and speedy, targeted response to natural disasters and biosecurity threats.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 37 – July 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 37 – July 2023FFS Research Showcase: Register now Thu 27 July 2023, 2pm-4.30pm AEST, Webinar Hear from Future Food Systems program and project leads as well as PhDs in this free webinar highlighting FFS-backed collaborations that advance sustainable development in our agrifood sector – from delivering a database of agricultural producers in NSW’s Namoi region, to developing new…
NewsFFS team visits UNE and Costa’s 40ha glasshouseFuture Food Systems headed to NSW's Northern Tablelands in June, visiting University of New England and Costa Group's state-of-the-art tomato-production glasshouse.
NewsFoundations laid for manufacturing CE construction materialsA UNSW-EcoMag project team is exploring cost-effective ways to turn agricultural and industrial waste into low-carbon plasterboard and cladding.
NewsFFS PhDs tour National Vegetable Protected Cropping CentreOn 14 June, FFS staff and PhDs visited Western Sydney University Hawkesbury campus and the $7m National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoUsing sensors and machine learning to measure growth and health in protected cropping with Namal JayasuriyaEranda 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
ArticleSeed biopriming for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restorationThe utilization of microbial inoculants in the realm of sustainable agricultural and ecosystem restoration has witnessed a surge in recent decades. This rise is largely attributed to advancements in our understanding of plant–microbe interactions, the urgency to reduce the dependence on agrochemicals and the growing societal demand for sustainable strategies in ecosystem management. However, despite…
NewsSumitra Saha, PhD student: Exploring heat-resistant potato microbiomes for sustainable potato production in a changing climateA grades in high-school science turned into a career path for Sumitra Saha, who recently joined Murdoch University as a PhD student on the'Novel microbiome technology' project team.
NewsMeet Jason Scott: catalytics and sustainable materials expertUNSW A/Prof. Jason Scott specialises in developing sustainable new materials, including planet-friendly plasterboard and F&B packaging for FFS. F&B packaging for FFS.
NewsFuture of food: what’s on the menu in 2050From insects to cultured meat, nothing is off the table when it comes to feeding the world’s growing population, says UNSW professor Johannes le Coutre.
ToolAustralian Protected Cropping Map DashboardThe national PCS map serves as a foundational dataset supporting a wide range of critical applications. It will inform logistical decisions related to transport, labour distribution, market access, and agricultural infrastructure. The data will also assist in developing responses to food security issues, drought, and natural disasters, and will be instrumental in biosecurity planning. Furthermore,…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 36 – June 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 36 – June 2023An update from the FFS CEO With the fourth anniversary of FFS just around the corner, Dr James Krahe reflects on the accomplishments, research outcomes, collaborations and unwavering support that has been instrumental in the growth of the organisation and Australia’s agrifood sector. Read more Costa collaborates to optimise carbon inputs, boost yields In a…
NewsPlans for NT food manufacturing plant revealedA Charles Darwin University research group reveals what's needed for Northern Australia to build its own food manufacturing capabilities.
NewsAn update from FFS CEO Dr James KraheOn the eve of Future Food Systems' fourth anniversary, Dr James Krahe reflects on the collaborations, accomplishments, research outcomes and unwavering support that have been instrumental in the growth of the CRC and Australia's agrifood sector.
ArticleTargeted lipidomics coupled with machine learning for authenticating the provenance of chicken eggsFree-range eggs are ethically desirable but as with all high-value commercial products, the establishment of provenance can be problematic. Here, we compared a simple one-step isopropanol method to a two-step methyl-tert-butyl ether method for extracting lipid species in chicken egg yolks before liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. The isopropanol method extracted 937 lipid species…
ArticleEnzymatic browning: The role of substrates in polyphenol oxidase mediated browningEnzymatic browning is a biological process that can have significant consequences for fresh produce, such as quality reduction in fruit and vegetables. It is primarily initiated by polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (EC 1.14.18.1 and EC 1.10.3.1) which catalyses the oxidation of phenolic compounds. It is thought that subsequent non-enzymatic reactions result in these compounds polymerising into…
NewsThe new home of food innovation in Western AustraliaA specialised Food Science and Nutrition campus run by Murdoch University has launched at the Food Innovation Precinct WA.
NewsCDU research shows two native plants have healing propertiesA CDU PhD has shown that two plants native to Northern Australia contain bioactive compounds with significant potential for treating and preventing disease.
ArticleAn energy-saving glasshouse film reduces seasonal, and cultivar dependent Capsicum yield due to light limited photosynthesisGlasshouse films can be used to reduce energy costs by limiting non-productive heat-generating radiation, but the impact on yield of greenhouse horticultural crops remains unknown. The effects of energy-saving film ULR-80 (ultra-low-reflectivity film with 80 % light transmission referred to as Smart Glass; SG) designed to block long wavelength light that generates heat also reduced…
NewsA fresh R&D agenda for crops grown under coverA new, stakeholder-set R&D strategy aims to address industry challenges and support smart, sustainable growth in Australia’s protected cropping sector.
NewsOptimising CO2 use to boost tomato yield, cut inputsCosta Group is teaming up with UNE, NSW DPI and ANU scientists, and FFS to help it reduce carbon use and increase yields in its Guyra tomato glasshouses.
NewsFFS joins forces with FAN Thriving Sunshine Coast industry cluster Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) has become a core participant in FFS.
NewsMeet Onoriode Coast: Abiotic crop stress expertCoast’s expertise in crop responses to environmental stress has helped growers globally. Now he’s lending it to leading grower Costa.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 35 – May 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 35 – May 2023Save the Date: FFS Summit 21-23 February 2024, Perth WA In a major industry-research collaboration co-funded by the FFS, scientists at Western Sydney University will work with urban-farm outfit Vertical Patch, Episteme Solutions and NSW DPI to explore novel solutions for monitoring glasshouse-grown crops in near-real-time, laying the foundation for a decision support system enabling…
ArticleAn asset-backed decentralised finance instrument for food supply chains – A case study from the livestock export industryDecentralised finance (DeFi) has emerged as a blockchain-enabled innovation in supply chains that makes use of supporting infrastructure to transform financial services by reducing or removing the need for intermediaries. While an increasing number of pilotprojects have been exploring DeFi applications for use by small and medium enterprises(SMEs) in various finance scenarios, there is not…
NewsKesewa Opoku Agyemang, PhD student: Modelling agrifood supply chainsFFS PhD scholar Agyemang is modelliing freight data along the agrifood supply chain to boost efficiency and reduce waste on the path from farm to fork.
Media Release2024 Future Food Systems Summit AnnouncementFFS CEO, Dr James Krahe today announced that Perth, Western Australia, will host the second iteration of the Future Food Systems Summit, titled For Food’s Sake - It’s our future, in February 2024.
NewsFor Food’s Sake 2024For Food’s Sake - It’s our future Summit will include conference sessions and a gala dinner on Thursday 22 and optional tours, including a visit to the new Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia, on Friday 23.
NewsMeet Hoon Han: AI and geomapping expertProf. Han has used AI to ascertain land and CBD floorspace use, property values and more. Next, he’s keen to apply it to agrifood freight logistics and decision-making.
NewsMahesh Galappaththi, PhD student: Improving truffle cultivation Down UnderMahesh Galappaththi’s BSc thesis was on elephant-human conflict in Sri Lanka; now, he’s looking to ascertain optimal conditions for truffle cultivation in WA.
VideoSustainable fertigation with Prof. Zhonghua ChenProf. Zhonghua Chen, globally lauded scientist and Education Leader at Western Sydney University’s National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, talks about two projects he leads for FFS, exploring strategies for cooling and sustainable fertigation in glasshouse vegetable production.
NewsFFS team goes westRecently, two key members of the FFS team paid a productive visit to our partners in Western Australia.
Media CoverageEngineering light for better farm yield and qualityDid you know that light can be engineered to be more photosynthetically active, less heat energy intense and used to modify plant behaviour? Enormous gains have been made in the past few decades in plant production though modification of climate, nutrition, water supply and temperasture of protected crops. Now the last piece of the puzzle,…
Media CoverageMaking sunlight better: Using films to manage sunlight for crop productivityToday’s protected cropping systems have become astonishingly effective at extracting optimum potential from nutrients, water and plant genetics, while minimising harm from farming’s ancient adversaries, like insect pests. There is a variable still to be fully optimised, though: light and energy from the sun. Australian researchers are developing films that can be fitted to greenhouses…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 34 – April 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 34 – April 2023FFS executes $6.8m ‘Crop monitoring’ project In a major industry-research collaboration co-funded by the FFS, scientists at Western Sydney University will work with urban-farm outfit Vertical Patch, Episteme Solutions and NSW DPI to explore novel solutions for monitoring glasshouse-grown crops in near-real-time, laying the foundation for a decision support system enabling seamless automated production. Read…
NewsMeet Brajesh Singh: Functional ecology & soil biology expertA world-leading plant microbiologist and Director of the Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation at Western Sydney University, Dist. Prof. Singh leads a FFSCRC project developing bio-based solutions to combat key root pathogens in Australia’s protected cropping systems.
NewsNational PC map proves its value in recent NSW varroa mite incursionThe AARSC’s near-completed map of all commercial protected cropping systems across Australia is already proving its worth as a rapid-response alert system for biosecurity breaches. The team behind it is calling for further feedback before finalising the national baseline map for release mid-year.
NewsHarvesting stakeholder insights on protected cropping R&DHort Innovation and Protected Cropping Australia held a Summit on 17 March to develop a fresh R&D plan for the sector.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 33 – March 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 33 – March 2023Farewell, Mike Ridout After almost four years with the Future Food Systems CRC as our Research Program 3 Deputy lead, Murdoch University’s Mike Ridout is stepping down from his role with FFSCRC at the end of this month to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Read more Namoi land-use project seeks stakeholder feedback on new…
NewsFine-tuning a data-backed tool for agribusiness planning UNSW mapping experts have sought stakeholder feedback on a tool developed to aid agribusiness planning in the Namoi.
NewsAutomating Australia’s indoor cropping sectorA new, $6.8M FFS project links vertical farm operators, data solutions providers and seed distributors with crop, sensor and IoT experts to develop tools that monitor and manage crop performance, pests, pathogens and pollination in near-real-time, enabling automated indoor production.
NewsPriyanka Kundu, PhD: Perfecting precision-fermented proteinsFFS Industry PhD Kundu is working with UNSW scientists and All G Foods to ascertain the precise makeup of dairy proteins.
NewsSmart mobile platform set to transform indoor pollination operationsQUT robotics experts have developed a self-guiding robotic platform that enables hands-free pollination in a commercial greenhouse, paving the way to cost-effective automation of labour-intensive tasks.
NewsFFSCRC PhDs decide: Academia, industry…or bothIn the first student catch-up of the year, new FFSCRC CEO Dr James Krahe addressed our PhD cohort on the pros and cons of working in industry vs academia.
NewsTomato rhizobiome project features in Greenhouse CanadaA UNE team's groundbreaking research for Costa Group into hydoponic tomatoes' root-zone microbes has garnered international media attention.
NewsMeet Rona Chandrawati: Nanotechnology expertDr Rona Chandrawati is a Scientia Associate Professor within UNSW’s School of Chemical Engineering and one of the Faculty of Engineering’s most awarded academics.
NewsSonali Koundal, PhD student: Finding sustainable ways to fertigate glasshouse-grown veggie cropsFFSCRC Industry PhD student and Western Sydney University student Sonali Koundal is exploring sustainable ways to fertigate glasshouse-grown vegetable crops for the benefit of growers and the environment.
ArticleImproving Blueberry Fruit Nutritional Quality through Physiological and Genetic Interventions: A Review of Current Research and Future DirectionsBlueberry, hailed as an antioxidant superfood, is the fruit of small shrubs in the genus Vaccinium (family Ericaceae). The fruits are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities derived from the polyphenolic compounds, particularly from the abundantly present anthocyanin pigment, have been highlighted…
ArticleThe Hydroponic Rockwool Root Microbiome: Under Control or Underutilised?Land plants have an ancient and intimate relationship with microorganisms, which influences the composition of natural ecosystems and the performance of crops. Plants shape the microbiome around their roots by releasing organic nutrients into the soil. Hydroponic horticulture aims to protect crops from damaging soil-borne pathogens by replacing soil with an artificial growing medium, such…
Media CoverageNational map of protected cropping systems now available in draftThis journal is the official publication of the Australian berry industries; Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries & Blackberries. This publication has been funded by Hort Innovation using the Blueberry, Strawberry and Raspberry and Blackberry R&D levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
Media CoverageA world first: The first time metagenomics is being used to discover the microbe community – including pathogens – in hydroponic tomatoes.As anyone in the industry knows, root pathogens are a common issue in greenhouse production, in systems that use soil but also in hydroponics. But if it happens that hydroponic systems are contaminated with one or more pathogens, as Dr. Gal Winter at the University of New England (UNE) in Australia explains, the resultant disease…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 32 – February 2023Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 32 – February 2023Say g’day to FFSCRC at evokeAG Our new CEO Dr James Krahe and Research & Commercialisation Director Prof. Cordelia Selomulya are representing the FFSCRC at this year’s evokeAG in Adelaide. If you’re at evokeAG, don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with them: drop by Stand 3. Smart glass prototype trials continue at Western Sydney…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 31 – December 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 31 – December 2022Season’s greetings The team at Future Food Systems CRC would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a prosperous New Year. It has been a productive year for the CRC, with 10 industry projects completed, 14 new projects launched and a further 11 in the pipeline. The CRC’s research projects are…
NewsHarnessing encapsulation expertise to slash methane emissions in free-ranging ruminantsA new FFSCRC project aims to develop a cost-effective way of delivering methane-reducing feed additives to ruminants in the field.
News$3.5m project to trial prototype glasshouse films on climbing cropsA $3.5m FFSCRC project with Hort Innovation and LLEAF is trialling two greenhouse-film prototypes that have the potential to boost crop productivity, slash input costs and shrink the environmental footprint of Australia’s PC horticulture sector.
NewsKezia Yi Ya Hsu, PhD student: Modelling a sustainable floor-space mix for Sydney’s CBDUNSW Sydney PhD student and FFSCRC PhD student Yi-Ya Hsu is developing a tool to help planners and policymakers formulate a smart, sustainable mixed-use strategy for available city office space.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoLuminescent Light Emitting Agricultural Film (LLEAF) with Dr Alex SoeriyadiHear 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.
NewsFood Innovation Precinct Western Australia launchesOn Friday 24 February, the multi-million-dollar Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia, aka Mereny Bidi Boodja, was formally opened at Peel Business Park in the state’s south-west.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoCombining sensors and imaging to better inform crop growth and health in indoor farming with Prof. Oula GhannoumHear 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.
VideoImproving energy consumption using smart glass films in protected cropping with Dist. Prof. David TissueHear 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.
NewsKey leaders appointed to Western Australia’s new food technology facility, SIFTKey leaders appointed to Western Australia's new food technology facility, SIFT to drive operations at its state-of-the-art food technology facility. Future Food Systems CRC is a major partner in the operations of SIFT.
NewsCRC project team develops new techniques to track the provenance of chicken eggsEarly results from the CRC's 'Food metabolomics library' project, set to appear in prestigious academic journal Food Science, detail a fast, simple method for measuring lipid components that accurately distinguishes free-range from cage and barn-laid eggs.
ArticleCapsicum Waste as a Sustainable Source of Capsaicinoids for Metabolic DiseasesCapsaicinoids are pungent alkaloid compounds enriched with antioxidants, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesics, anti-carcinogenic, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties. These compounds are primarily synthesised in the placenta of the fruit and then transported to other vegetative parts. Different varieties of capsicum and chillies contain different capsaicinoid concentrations. As capsicums and chillies are grown extensively throughout the world, their…
NewsMedia release – Future Food Systems CRC appoints new CEOFuture Food Systems CRC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr James Krahe as its new chief executive officer.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 30 – November 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 30 – November 2022Future of Food Summit: International speakers Experts in transport and infrastructure planning, advanced nutritional analysis and innovative, Indigenous-led agrifood systems, from Canada, the Netherlands and the UK, will address delegates at this year’s Future of Food Summit. Read more Q&A: Indigenous foods champion Mindy Woods We asked celebrity chef, sustainable horticulture advocate, First Nations food…
NewsCollaboration can spark innovation: Summit takeawaysThe inaugural Future of Food Summit highlighted some of the key challenges facing global food supply, and identified innovative and sustainable solutions.
News2021/2022 Annual ReportThe Future Food Systems CRC 2021/2022 Annual Report provides an overview of project achievements, financials, CRC project case studies and highlights of the third year of operation.
NewsA showcase of future food: Summit exhibitorsThe Summit mini-expo, a mix of future food innovations, Indigenous ingredients, upcycled products, agricultural robots and healthy pulse-based snacks, was a chance for Future Food Systems CRC and QUT to showcase their capabilities in the sustainable agrifood space.
NewsFuture of Food Summit: International speakersExperts in infrastructure planning and transport logistics, advanced nutritional analysis and innovative, Indigenous-led agrifood systems from the Netherlands, UK and Canada gave attendees of the 2022 Future of Food Summit much food for thought.
NewsQ&A: Mindy Woods, Indigenous foods advocateMindy Woods, Indigenous chef-restaurateur, two-times MasterChef contestant, Australian culinary ambassador and 2022 Future of Food Summit Gala Dinner keynote, talks about a sustainable approach to food that's been honed over millennia..
NewsAgrifood, analysis, automation and aeons-old cures: QUT facilities toursFour fascinating guided tours, free to Summit delegates, showcase QUT’s world-class capabilities in robotics and automation, agrifood innovation, tropical crops, advanced analysis and Indigenous ingredients.
ArticlePhysiological and Yield Performance Is Partially Linked to Water Use Efficiency of Eggplant Genotypes in a High-Tech GlasshouseEggplant (Solanum melongena L.) has become an increasingly common vegetable grown in glasshouses. This study emphasized on the physiological traits and productivity of three eggplant cultivars (Longa, Lydia, and Tracey) in a high-tech glasshouse to determine the genotypic differences of agronomical, morphological, and physiological responses. The physiological parameters as well as the productivity of these…
ArticleA blockchain-based multisignature approach for supply chain governance: A use case from the Australian beef industryThis paper designed and implemented a blockchain-based multisignature approach to digitally transform supply chain governance in multi-tier food supply chains, particularly in a geographically dispersed beef supply chain. An exploratory case study was utilised to demonstrate the design, implementation, and evaluation of a blockchain-based multisignature approach that was deployed on the Smart Trade Networks (STN) Proof of Authority (PoA) blockchain system for data collection and…
Natural Capital, Agriculture and the LawFelicity Deane, Evan Hamman and Anna HugginsPublicationNatural Capital, Agriculture and the LawThrough an extended study of agricultural land use and policy, Natural Capital, Agriculture and the Law presents a comprehensive legal analysis of proposals for protecting natural capital stocks and the sustainable use of ecosystem services, critiquing the legal challenges in designing and operationalising a workable natural capital approach. Evaluating legal considerations at international, national and…
ArticleBlockchain smart contracts for supply chain finance: Mapping the innovation potential in Australia-China beef supply chainsThis paper explores and demonstrates the innovation potential of blockchain and smart contracts for supply chain finance (SCF) based on cross-border beef supply chains from Australia to China. Our study adopts mechanism design and design-driven activities, and specifically employs the Agents Events Data (AED) process mapping method, which is a hybrid approach that combines Business…
Media ReleaseMedia release – Future Food Systems CRCFuture Food Systems CRC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr James Krahe as its new chief executive officer. Formerly the Innovation Manager at Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL), Dr Krahe will commence in the role on 16 January 2023, replacing interim-CEO, Mr Richard Norton.
Media CoverageDeploying microscopic organisms to increase horticulture yieldsScientists are investigating whether root systems packed with certain combinations of tiny living things – or microbiomes – result in a more productive plant with the aim of developing new products to increase yield. The $1.4M, four-year project is being delivered through Hort Innovation and led by Murdoch University with co-investment from the CRC for…
NewsFuture of Food Summit 2022 – Tickets on sale!Join Future Food Systems CRC and QUT at an event exploring smart, sustainable solutions to key food production and distribution challenges.
NewsMiranda Yang, PhD student: finding new, better ways to spray-dry oil-based flavour ingredientsCRC Industry PhD student Miranda Yang is exploring novel methods for spray-drying CRC industry partner Baker & Co’s liquid spice ingredients to increase their shelf life and make it simpler to transport them.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 29 – November 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 29 – November 2022More speakers announced! Don’t miss out! Thursday 1 & Friday 2 December 2022 We’ve added more exciting names to our speaker line-up, including Imperial College London’s Prof. Gary Frost, Austrade’s Cheryl Stanilewicz and QUT’s Prof. Sagadevan Mundree, plus tours of QUT’s Robotics Centre, agrifood facilities and Indigenous garden. Less than 70 seats remain: don’t miss…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 28 – October 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 28 – October 2022Ticket sales open for 2022 Future of Food Summit Planning for the CRC’s Future of Food Summit on 1 and 2 December is in full swing, with QUT on board as Summit co-host, Indigenous chef Mindy Woods confirmed as Gala Dinner MC and an exciting speaker line-up. Ticket sales are now open. Register here Mindy…
VideoCommercialisation of Australian native rice with Prof. Sagadevan G. MundreeProfessor 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
NewsCharlotte Rowley, PhD student: Profiling premium WA produceCRC PhD student Charlotte Rowley is working with world-leading scientists at Murdoch University to produce molecular-level profiles of fruit and olive oil that can be used to formulate precision nutrition products and back provenance and health claims.
FFS Publication2021/22 Annual ReportThe Future Food Systems CRC 2021/2022 Annual Report provides an overview of project achievements, financials, CRC case studies and highlights of the third year of operation.
News2022 Precision Nutrition Symposium: A world-class exposition of ANPC’s precision nutrition programOn 14 October 2022, the Australian National Phenome Centre (ANPC) and Centre for Computational and Systems Medicine (CCSM) organised a successful inaugural research symposium on precision nutrition at Murdoch University that featured early findings from Future Food Systems CRC’s ‘Food metabolomic library’ project. The symposium was well attended and included representatives from various Western Australian…
NewsIndigenous food and sustainability champion Mindy Woods to MC at Future of Food Summit Gala DinnerIndigenous foods and sustainability champion, former MasterChef contestant and proud Bundjalung woman Mindy Woods will be the MC for the 2022 Future of Food Summit Gala Dinner on the evening of 1 December at Queensland Museum, in Brisbane’s CBD.
News2022 Future of Food Summit: more speakers announcedOur expanding Summit speaker contingent includes industry, academic and government leaders from across the CRC’s cohort and beyond.
ArticleSoil moisture sensing with mmWave radarSoil moisture is a significant factor that influences plant productivity and natural resource management. Accurate commercial soil moisture sensors often require manual data collection and cost thousands of dollars, which makes data collection inefficient and only accessible to high-budget smart farms. To achieve cost-effective and high-efficient soil moisture sensing, we propose a millimeterwave (mmWave) radar-based…
Media CoverageExploring the tiny environments that can grow big vegetablesMurdoch scientists are leading a project that explores how particular combinations of microbes can boost the growth of some of the country’s most valuable fruit and vegetable crops. The $1.4 million project, led by Associate Professor Kirsty Bayliss, aims to identify the microbes that influence the growth of potatoes, tomatoes and avocadoes and harness them…
NewsCan novel microbiome technology boost popular crop yields?In a Hort Innovation-backed project part-funded by the CRC, Murdoch University scientists are exploring the specific combinations of microbes required to cut chemical use and boost yields in some of Australia’s most valuable fruit and veg crops.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoTurning waste to resource with EcoMagCRC industry partner EcoMag has successfully scaled up production of its high-grade magnesium ingredients thanks to a Future Food Systems CRC project with UNSW, Now, it’s selling its products worldwide.
NewsEcoMag named a finalist for industry innovation awardFuture Food Systems CRC SME partner EcoMag has been named a finalist in the Innovation category at the 2022 Waste Innovation & Recycling Awards.
NewsMeet Kirsty Bayliss: plant disease expertShe’s the Academic Chair in Biosecurity and Food Security at Murdoch University and a seasoned plant biotechnologist. A/Prof. Bayliss also leads a $1.4M project part-funded by the CRC that's set to boost the yields of popular fruit and vegetable crops.
Media CoverageNorthern Territory researchers successfully harvest native rice, opening opportunities for First Nations enterpriseAs the world regularly faces a shortage of one of its most important food staples, scientists in the Northern Territory are looking take advantage of the rice that grows naturally across Northern Australia’s wetlands.
NewsFuture Food Systems CRC backs CERS-hosted alt-proteins tastingOn 8 September, the UNSW-based Chemical Engineering Research Society (CERS) hosted a well-attended tasting of Love BUDS, the new alt-meat range from CRC participant All G Foods.
NewsFuture Food Systems CRC hosts visiting Irish PhDThis spring, Irish doctoral candidate Suzanne Kelly tours partner universities as a guest of the Future Food Systems CRC, looking at agrifood-related research involving social capital, innovation and knowledge exchange.
Reimagining retail for the Roaring Twenties: The Australian 2022 FMCG outlook (Inside FMCG/IRI)Inside FMCG/IRIReference MaterialReimagining retail for the Roaring Twenties: The Australian 2022 FMCG outlook (Inside FMCG/IRI)A guide to the trends that will shape retail and the fast-moving consumer goods sector – including food and beverage products and health supplements – in 2022, compiled by Inside FMCG and predictive analytics company IRI.
Scaling technology and innovations for future food systems: Sustainable Development Impact Summit (video)World Economic ForumReference MaterialScaling technology and innovations for future food systems: Sustainable Development Impact Summit (video)Emerging technologies and innovations – from food-sensing and precision agriculture to personalised nutrition – offer opportunities to transform food systems, yet adoption has been slow. This World Economic Forum session explores key learnings from country-based innovation hubs across regions that could help accelerate this transformation.
Our Future World: Global megatrends impacting the way we live over coming decadesCSIROReference MaterialOur Future World: Global megatrends impacting the way we live over coming decadesIn this ‘once-in-a-decade’ report, Australia’s national science agency identifies seven global megatrends that will shape challenges and opportunities in the years to 2042 and guide long-term investment, strategic and policy direction across government, industry, the not-for-profit sector and the broader Australian community.
AgriFutures Australia Research and Innovation Strategic Plan 2022-2027AgriFutures AustraliaReference MaterialAgriFutures Australia Research and Innovation Strategic Plan 2022-2027In this, its ‘16:5:5 Roadmap’, leading Australian research body AgriFutures (formerly the RIRDC) outlines its research and innovation strategy for the coming five years. It defines Australia’s key strengths, opportunities for improvement and the research and innovation priorities needed to drive value and ensure our agrifood sector continues to thrive into the future.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 27 – September 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 27 – September 20222022 Future of Food Summit: speaker announcements Future Food Systems CRC is pleased to announce the first speakers in what’s shaping up to be an exciting line-up for our inaugural Future of Food Summit in December. Read more Showcase: Dr John Ashton: Sanitarium Sanitarium’s Head of Research talks about Australia’s iconic health food brand and…
NewsDelivering new, bio-based solutions to control root disease in horticulture cropsA new Future Food Systems CRC project helmed by world-leading crop scientist, Western Sydney University's Professor Brajesh Singh, will explore novel ways to combat common root pathogens in Australian protected cropping operations.
NewsEmily Davies, PhD student: Getting the skinny on herbal weight loss supplementsFuture Food Systems PhD student Emily Davies is investigating the composition and safety of herbal weight loss supplements while learning from world-leading scientists at Murdoch Uni’s ANPC and using multi-million-dollar Bruker equipment.
PublicationRevisiting trust in supply chains: How does blockchain redefine trust?Discussions about the use of blockchain in supply chains often claim a strengthening of trust. In this chapter, we argue that blockchains are not about trust per se and that supply chains can and do function effectively – with the mediation of blockchain technologies – without the presupposition of trust. Through the phenomenological lens of…
VideoSanitarium research and development innovation with Dr John Ashton (Sanitarium)Sanitarium’s Head of Research talks about Australia’s iconic health food brand and why it chooses to collaborate with university scientists on cutting-edge research under Future Food Systems CRC.
NewsNSW Parliamentary Secretary for Science, Innovation and Technology visits Future Food Systems HQOn 29 August, Ms Robyn Preston MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Science, Innovation and Technology and Member for Hawkesbury, stopped in at Future Food Systems CRC HQ on UNSW’s Randwick campus as part of a broader visit to UNSW Sydney.
NewsCRC project poster runner-up in 2022 AIFST Poster CompetitionFuture Food Systems CRC PhD student Rishi Naik has won the runner-up People’s Choice award in this year’s AIFST Poster Competition. Congratulations, Rishi!
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 26 – August 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 26 – August 2022EcoMag and UNSW to upcycle agrifood waste into low-carbon construction material In a new CRC project, SME EcoMag is working with UNSW chemical engineers to turn three waste streams – from salt operations, agriculture and industrial processes – into one sustainable, in-demand product. Read more New nutraceuticals from upcycled, spray-dried Mg ingredients EcoMag CEO Tony…
ArticleFood rheology applications of large amplitude oscillation shear (LAOS)This paper in Trends in Food Science and Technology details the findings of research conducted by Dr Yong Wang and Prof. Cordelia Selomulya, from UNSW’s School of Chemical Engineering, into applications of Large Amplitude Oscillation Shear (LAOS). LAOS, a promising method for food processing and formulation, is not yet widely used in food rheology due to uncertainty about which LAOS tools to deploy for specific applications. This paper provides food manufacturers with much-needed information about the most suitable LAOS analytical tools to use with different food categories (dough, cheese, confectionery); formats (emulsion, foam) and components (proteins, polysaccharides, and fats).
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> VideoFrom waste to resource with Shanan Birkin (Abundant Natural Health) & Tony Crimmins (EcoMag)Shanan Birkin from CRC industry partner EcoMag’s sister company, Abundant Natural Health, is producing a range of natural pain relief treatments and nutraceuticals based on high-grade magnesium ingredients spray-dried at scale by EcoMag for US Chain Walmart, among others.
NewsDelivering a new oil-based extract encapsulation process for taste solutionsSydney-based natural ingredients manufacturer Baker & Co is drawing on UNSW's expertise in spray-drying and encapsulation to turn liquid taste ingredients into equally flavourful, but more adaptable and easily exportable powdered equivalents.
NewsEcoMag, UNSW to upcycle agrifood waste into low-carbon construction materialSME partner EcoMag and UNSW scientists have teamed up in a CRC project to upcycle waste from industrial processes, agriculture and salt production into a sustainable building material, helping to shrink the construction industry's carbon footprint.
NewsInaugural CRC PhDs’ catch-up a successEleven of the CRC’s PhD scholarship holders met up recently for their first-ever catch-up, with each presenting their research findings.
NewsAndrew Tilley, PhD student: putting premium artichokes’ health benefits on trialAndrew Tilley studied food science and technology at Perth WA's Curtin University, but took the long way round to a CRC-backed PhD at Murdoch via the food manufacturing industry.
NewsAs good as the real thing? Premium dairy proteins, zero cow emissionsNew CRC industry partner All G Foods is teaming with UNSW scientists in an exciting four-year project that seeks to precisely mimic the nutritional and functional attributes of dairy proteins using no dairy-cow inputs.
Governing the Digital Economy: An Exploration of Blockchains with Chinese CharacteristicsGary Sigley & Warwick PowellArticleGoverning the Digital Economy: An Exploration of Blockchains with Chinese CharacteristicsIn 2019 President Xi Jinping called for the prioritisation of blockchain technology as part of China’s next phase of development. In China, blockchain technologies have been experimentally deployed in various areas including court records, securities exchanges, finance, and food supply chains. The emergence of blockchain as a governmental technology raises numerous questions, including: (i) what…
NewsSmart glass-LLEAF project wrap-up: key findings and next stepsIn the recently completed 'Smart Glass' project, scientists at Western Sydney University showed the energy-saving ability of SG ULR-80 and the yield-increasing potential of LLEAF. Next steps? To combine the strengths of both.
NewsNational PC mapping team calls for peer review of latest draft mapsThe National PC mapping project team is calling for peer review of its draft maps of protected cropping operations across Queensland and much of Northern NSW.
NewsAustralian native rice is one step closer to appearing on restaurant menusPutting Australian native rice on our plates and in restaurants is one step closer after a successful harvest of three species sourced from Northern Australian wetlands.
Media CoverageThe word’s tiniest tomatoHow the merino sheep breed kick-started Australia’s wool industry; Using mules to move livestock in feedlots; Port Stephens oyster growers face devastating QX disease; plus the world’s tiniest tomatoes.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 25 – July 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 25 – July 2022Save the date: Future of Food Summit 2022 This year, the CRC’s annual event will be a two-day, public-facing Summit with keynote speakers, expert panels, a student showcase, gala dinner, tours and networking events. Together, we’ll be exploring collaborative solutions for sustainable food supply in a fast-changing world – and we’ll be showcasing the CRC’s…
NewsWA food and beverage industry forum takeawaysWA Future Food Network and the CRC hosted a recent roundtable with WA food and beverage sector stakeholders to identify industry obstacles to value-adding.
NewsInternational research collaboration to develop sustainable indoor-cropping solutions CRC supporting partner Qatar University is drawing on the expertise and state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities at Western Sydney University to help it develop sustainable fertigation solutions for indoor growers.
NewsEranda Namal Jayasuriya, PhD student: Imaging analysis for IoT sensor networksSri-Lanka-born, Western Sydney University-based Eranda Namal Jayasuriya is one of two PhD students attached to the CRC’s 'IoT for indoor cropping' project.
NewsLaying the groundwork for Australian truffle industry expansionPremium WA food supplier Silverplace is looking to Mt Lindesay farmers and Murdoch University scientists to help develop the know-how required to expand Australia's high-value truffle industry.
NewsCRC report makes cover of Crops journalWestern Sydney University post-doc researcher Sachin Chavan's CRC report 'Protected cropping: Current technologies and target crops' is the cover feature for the June 2022 issue of peer-reviewed journal Crops.
ArticleMagnesium Citrate Powders from Waste Bitterns via Crystallization and Spray DryingThe pilot-scale production of two magnesium citrate products, using a waste bittern discharged from a salt work as the raw material, was conducted in this study.
NewsTerry Lin: Investigating warm-climate greenhouse tech in Australian facilitiesSupervised by Prof. Zhonghua Chen, CRC PhD student Terry Lin is assessing the long-term performance of various cooling technologies and greenhouse set-ups at WSU's high-tech glasshouse facility.
Innovation Ecosystem Evolution as Socio-technical Transition: A Case StudyOzgur Dedehayir, Jack Adams, Saku Mäkinen and Roland OrttArticleInnovation Ecosystem Evolution as Socio-technical Transition: A Case StudyThe evolution of innovation ecosystems is an important topic for scholars and practitioners alike, as externalities such as market changes, competitive landscapes, and regulatory pressures demand the delivery of new customer-facing value propositions. In this paper we aim to enhance our conceptual understanding of ecosystem evolution by shining a socio-technical lens upon the innovation ecosystem.…
NewsQUT Robotics experts to help Queensland’s banana farmers automateBrisbane's ARM Hub, North Queensland Banana Farmers and Hort Innovation have teamed up to help growers identify opportunities to cut costs by adopting ‘continuous improvement and automation technology’.
NewsCRC field trip: Sanitarium R&D facilityFifteen members of the CRC cohort joined a recent daytrip to visit industry partner Sanitarium’s research facility on NSW's Central Coast.
NewsNSW Government Budget invests to invigorate regionsThe 2022-23 NSW Budget contains a number of measures designed to harness the potential of regional NSW.
NewsMore DPIRD funding for export-focused WA food producersWA producers of honey, olive oil, free-range pork and seafood were among the latest recipients of DPIRD’s International Competitiveness Co-Investment Fund grants.
NewsCRC indoor-cropping projects feature on ABC LandlineWestern Sydney University scientists are trialling LLEAF P/L's new ‘light-spectra-shifting’ agricultural films on horticultural crops in a trio of CRC projects that are the focus of a recent ABC Landline segment.
Media CoverageKnown best as the host of cryptocurrencies, experts and economists say blockchain technology could be the future of working lifeLynsey Jackson was looking for a change when she quit her corporate finance job to assess her career options, before settling on a direction that would shock many. She sees her future in blockchain technology, beginning with a diploma of applied blockchain from TAFE Queensland. Most commonly known as the platform that hosts cryptocurrencies, blockchain is…
Media CoverageTechnological innovations benefitting agriculture and the environmentTechnological innovations benefitting agriculture and the environment. Planting trees from the sky; Fighting unlawful water use; Using native fungi to combat weeds; Colourful light boosting technology helping to grow crops.
News$13.6m R&D project set to add value to WA’s agrifood sectorWA DPIRD, Murdoch University and the CRC are teaming up to deliver R&D to agrifood firms via a purpose-built food-tech facility at FIPWA.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 24 – June 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 24 – June 2022Flagship $13.6m CRC project backs Food Technology Facility for Western Australia The CRC has partnered with WA DPIRD and Murdoch University in a cutting-edge R&D hub where agrifood firms will work with leading scientists to create, trial and scale value-adding innovations. Read more CERS introduces next-gen chemical engineers to industry leaders UNSW-based Chemical Engineering Research…
NewsMeet Fraser Taylor: data-driven health interventions expertCreating transparency of the world’s food supply is the clear motivation for Fraser Taylor, GM of the FoodSwitch program at The George Institute for Global Health.
NewsGetting to the root cause of health in hydroponic tomatoesCosta Group is constructing a scaled-down version of its commercial glasshouse at UNE to house CRC project trials seeking cues to crop stress that can alert growers to act, preventing costly losses.
NewsEcoMag signs with Cofermin spin-off to supply high-grade Mg to EuropeCRC industry partner EcoMag is set to supply its high-purity Mg products to buyers across Europe and beyond via IMagine, the new magnesia arm of major industrial minerals distributor Cofermin Group.
NewsCERS introduces next-gen chemical engineers to industry leadersAt the Chemical Engineering Research Society’s CRC-sponsored networking night on 2 June, students and post-grads met reps from 40+ firms including Sanitarium, Arnotts, All G Foods, AB Mauri and Tip Top in "a night full of opportunities and exchange of ideas”.
NewsYusuf Adewale: developing a predictive modelling tool for egg productionYusuf Adewale, PhD student, is developing a predictive modelling tool for ascertaining egg production and quality.
NewsLijun Summerhayes: exploring urban food planning pathways QUT PhD and FFS PhD Lijun Summerhayes is researching urban food planning in Australia.
NewsOdgerel Bumandalai: using cold-plasma tech to extend shelf life of spirulinaOdgerel Bumandalai is a FFSCRC PhD student at CRC partner institution Murdoch University. Bumandalai’s thesis is investigating the use of cold-plasma technology to extend the safe shelf life of fresh spirulina.
NewsRishi Ravindra Naik: exploring new ways to create functional plant-based foodsUNSW PhD student Rishi Ravindra Naik is looking to develop new products with ‘clean label’ and sustainability claims by modifying non-traditional plant proteins with seaweeds for improved techno-functionality.
VideoCollaboration in process improvement: Spray-drying of EcoMag magnesium-based products at UNSW with Dr Tam Tran (EcoMag)Dr Tran talks about the CRC project that’s enabling EcoMag to deliver commercial quantities of high-grade Mg ingredients to two of the US’s largest franchises: CVS and Walmart.
Media CoverageCountry Breakfast featuresThe potential for a native rice industry in Australia’s far north has been talked about for decades. Researchers say a significant milestone has now been reached, with demonstration plots of flooded and unflooded wild rice being grown on a research farm near Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory. (12:50 min in)
Smart Trade Networks websiteSmart Trade NetworksWebsiteSmart Trade Networks websiteSmart Trade Networks is a general-purpose technology platform, utilising blockchain technologies, that harnesses a diverse range of product provenance information as a basis of improved payments and confidence amongst supply chain participants. It removes doubt around product authentication and ensures the smooth flow of data and payments. It embraces both new and mature technologies to provide a robust system for the security and dependability of information within supply chains.
NewsGrowing Australia’s capability to supply ASEAN demand for trusted food goodsAt the first of a series of Science meets Business events hosted by FIPWA and the CRC, key stakeholders in WA's agrifood system discussed how smart trade solutions can help expand export opportunities for the sector.
Media CoverageAustralian chemical company EcoMag turning the Pilbara’s waste into low-carbon plasterboardAustralian chemical company EcoMag is working to turn Australia’s carbon footprint into homes and office buildings, with scientists producing plasterboard from waste. EcoMag utilises the waste from the Pilbara’s salt industry to extract magnesium for use in industrial, environmental and pharmaceutical applications. The company is now working with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of…
Media CoverageAustralian native rice trial underway near Humpty DooResearchers say a significant milestone has now been reached, with demonstration plots of flooded and unflooded wild rice being grown on a research farm near Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory. ABC Rural went to see the trial and spoke to Dr Penny Wurm from Charles Darwin University.
PublicationEnabling cross-border trade in the face of regulatory barriers to data flow – the case of the blockchain-based service networkThis reference text provides the theoretical foundations, the emergence, and the application areas of Blockchain in an easy-to-understand manner that would be highly helpful for the researchers, academicians, and industry professionals to understand the disruptive potentials of Blockchain. It explains Blockchain concepts related to Industry 4.0, Smart Healthcare, and the Internet of Things (IoT) and…
NewsLabor makes $16.7m commitment to state-of-the-art Agri Tech Hub at Western Sydney UniversityFederal Labor has promised to fund one-third of WSU’s $50m Agri Tech Hub, which is set to become the nation’s first high-tech commercial, teaching and research greenhouse complex.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 23 – May 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 23 – May 2022Western Australian food innovation hub makes big stride forward On 4 May, CRC stakeholders met at the soon-to-be-completed Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (the Precinct) in the Shire of Murray to sign lease agreements for core facilities within the precinct. The CRC has approved an $11.5 million project with the WA Government and Murdoch University…
NewsWestern Australian food innovation hub takes big step forwardOn 4 May, CRC stakeholders met at the soon-to-be-completed Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (the Precinct) in the Shire of Murray to sign lease agreements for core facilities within the precinct.
NewsNational Protected Cropping map continues to expandThe National Protected Cropping map is expanding, with draft mapping of PC facilities for the Adelaide and Tasmanian growing regions now completed and published online, ready for peer review.
NewsMeet Zhonghua Chen: plant physiology, genomics and protected cropping expertWestern Sydney University’s Prof. Zhonghua Chen is an expert in plant physiology, plant breeding, biophysics and agronomy - and an academic mentor to Australia's next generation of crop scientists.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 22 – April 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 22 – April 2022Video: ‘Coffs Harbour food innovation ecosystem’ project wrap-up The CRC’s ‘Coffs Harbour food innovation ecosystem’ project gathered key information on food and agribusinesses operating in the Coffs region of the NSW Mid North Coast and canvassed opinion from agrifood firms in the area. Coffs Harbour City Council worked with Queensland University of Technology to deliver…
NewsVideo and final report: Coffs Harbour food ecosystem project wrap-upProject lead Ozgur Dedehayir’s presentation at the 2021 CRC Showcase outlined the key findings of the ‘Coffs Harbour food ecosystem’ project, which lays the foundation for development of a future food cluster in Coffs.
NewsMeet Craig Shephard: land-use mapping expertAARSC senior researcher Craig Shephard leads the National PC mapping project, an initiative of Protected Cropping Australia supported by Hort Innovation, UNE, LLSNSW and the CRC. He's also a keen mountain-biker.
NewsEcoMag scales up production following successful UNSW trialsTerrific results from the UNSW project team regarding new processing protocols for high-grade Mg organics are enabling EcoMag to scale up rapidly to meet initial orders from major US clients including Walmart and CVS.
NewsProtected Cropping Australia Conference: wet but well attendedRelentless rain did little to dampen the spirits of the estimated 450 delegates, 40 virtual attendees, 60 exhibitors and large CRC-cohort contingent at this year’s PCA conference in Coffs Harbour.
ReportUnderstanding the Food Innovation Ecosystem in Coffs HarbourThe report then introduces the second, quantitative study that was undertaken to further explore some of the emergent themes from the earlier, qualitative study. The results of the survey are then presented sequentially in the following sections of the report, beginning with an overview of survey respondents, then the results centring on current business performance, innovation, The Precinct concept, risk culture, trust, and communication within the ecosystem. The report concludes with a review of the main findings of the two studies as well as suggestions for continuing this work guided by more focused research questions. It is necessary to underscore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited the number of participants in both studies, though more noticeably for the second.
FFS PublicationUnderstanding the Food Innovation Ecosystem in Coffs HarbourUnderstanding the Food Innovation Ecosystem in Coffs Harbour.
ArticleSmart Glass Film Reduced Ascorbic Acid in Red and Orange Capsicum Fruit Cultivars without Impacting Shelf LifeSmart Glass Film (SGF) is a glasshouse covering material designed to permit 80% transmission of photosynthetically active light and block heat-generating solar energy. SGF can reduce crop water and nutrient consumption and improve glasshouse energy use efficiency yet can reduce crop yield. The effect of SGF on the postharvest shelf life of fruits remains unknown.…
NewsSetting the course for protected croppingA nine-year strategy for those growing crops undercover developed by QDAF with input from key stakeholders including FIAL and the CRC is set to be implemented by Protected Cropping Australia and Hort Innovation.
NewsAgricultural research leader joins Murdoch University’s Food Futures InstituteMurdoch University has announced the appointment of Professor Rajeev K Varshney, agricultural scientist and tropical crop-breeding expert, to its acclaimed Food Futures Institute.
NewsMicrofluidic Modulation Spectroscopy (MMS) technology to investigate secondary protein structures A UNSW PhD supervised by the CRC's Prof Cordelia Selomulya has won the highly competitive RedShiftBio StructIR Lab Grant. She'll use it to further her research into plant-protein functionalities.
NewsBetter traceability benefits WA food manufacturers’ bottom lines, finds DPIRD-GS1 reportTraceability Learning Journeys, a GS1 report commissioned by CRC partner WA DPIRD, is based on conversations with 20+ WA food and beverage firms about the benefits accrued and lessons learned from improving their traceability systems.
NewsAustralian university’s crop-mapping technologies sought in South AfricaUNE’s Remote Sensing Centre is going offshore with its world-first tree crop mapping capability. The same capability is being deployed in a Hort Innovation-UNE project to map Australia's protected cropping facilites supported by PCA and the CRC.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 21 – March 2022Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 21 – March 2022New CRC partner WA Future Food Network launches digital platform for industry The WA Future Food Network has launched the Connectory: a digital platform connecting primary producers with processors, manufacturers, distributors, exporters and ancillary businesses all along the state’s food and beverage supply chain. WA FFN is working with local and state government, WA-based universities,…
NewsCRC welcomes three new PhDsThree new doctoral candidates will contribute valuable research to CRC projects, investigating cooling strategies for protected cropping, analysing herbal weight loss supplements and creating detailed molecular profiles of WA foods to form the foundation of strategies around precision nutrition.
NewsSecuring transactions from farm to fork: tapping the global potential in blockchain-enabled smart tradeHear BeefLedger Chair Warwick Powell discuss the ‘Smart trade’ team’s blockchain-backed digital platform and its potential to streamline cross-border trade.
NewsDigital catalogue connects Australia’s F&B suppliers with buyers worldwideFood Innovation Australia Limited’s recently released Australian Food & Beverage Catalogue showcases export-ready food and beverage suppliers from across Australia to qualified buyers domestically and abroad.
NewsWA Future Food Network launches online platform to help producers forge profitable partnershipsThis producer-focused network’s new, free-to-join web portal helps Western Australian food producers keen to value-add connect with providers right along the F&B supply chain.
NewsCRC projects on the agenda at 2022 PCA Conference in CoffsResearch leads, PhDs and project collaborators from government and industry are among the CRC-affiliated presenters at this year's PCA Conference.
NewsDevelopment approval granted for UNSW’s Health Translation HubICYMI, UNSW’s new, state-government-backed Health Translation Hub, will house 15 storeys of health education and research facilities, linking students and experts with the Randwick hospitals cluster. The hub is expected to benefit patients, carers and the broader NSW community.
VideoLuminescent Light Emitting Agricultural Film (LLEAF): The next evolution of protected cropping to increase crop productivity sustainably with Dr Alex SoeriyadiLLEAF 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.
VideoAnalytical techniques for value-added solutions with Dr Ruey-Leng LooDr Ruey-Leng Loo, part of the expert team at Murdoch University’s world-leading Australian National Phenome Centre, leads the CRC’s flagship ‘Metabolomic food library’ project, producing detailed ‘chemical fingerprints’ of Western Australian food products that prove their provenance and nutritional credentials. Here, she explains how the process works and why it will help producers’ bottom lines.
Mapping protected cropping systems in Australia, industry engagement featuring the PCS Survey - Craig Shephard & Joel McKechnieVideoMapping protected cropping systems in Australia, industry engagement featuring the PCS survey with Craig Shephard & Joel McKechnieMapping protected cropping systems in Australia, industry engagement featuring the PCS Survey
Remote sensing technology in protected cropping - Mark Cardamis & Dr Yimeng FengVideoRemote sensing technology in protected cropping with Mark Cardamis & Dr Yimeng FengRemote sensing technology in protected cropping
NewsWestern researchers help make state’s coolest park a realityWestern Sydney University researchers are leading an expert team that will transform Bicentennial Park at Sydney Olympic Park into the coolest public park in the state.
NewsSmart Trade Hubs project shortlisted for ACS Digital Disruptor awardThe CRC's 'Smart trade hubs' collaboration, involving QUT and SME BeefLedger, was one of just two finalists for ICT Research Project of the Year in the ACS's 2022 Digital Disruptor Awards'.
NewsMajor Australian supermarket chain invests in alt-protein start-up All G FoodsWoolworths’ venture capital and growth fund W23 has made a multi-million-dollar capital injection into alt-protein and precision-fermentation start-up All G Foods.
Media CoverageDigital DisruptorsIn this series we’ll celebrate the outstanding tech talent in Australia and recognise the innovators, disruptors, leaders and superstars of tomorrow, who are making a difference and shaping our future.
Media CoverageNT researchers take a new approach to growing riceIt may be one of Australia’s most sought-after foods, but the art of rice production isn’t always at the forefront of shoppers’ minds. Now, a team of researchers in Darwin are taking a new approach to growing the ancient grain – and yielding unexpected results.
VideoSowing seeds to grow the Coffs Coast food ecosystem with Dr Ozgur DedehayirHear Dr Ozgur from the Queensland University of Technology talk about the recently completed project 'Understanding the Food Innovation Ecosystem in Coffs Harbour'
NewsHort Innovation, QUT join forces to beat world’s most damaging banana-crop diseaseQUT researchers are using advanced gene-editing techniques to develop new Cavendish and Goldfinger banana varieties resistant to Panama Tropical Race 4, a deadly disease threatening global production.
VideoGeneral purpose digital infrastructure enabling cross-border trade with Adj. Prof. Warwick PowellHear BeefLedger Chair Warwick Powell discuss the ‘Smart trade’ team’s blockchain-backed digital platform and its potential to streamline cross-border trade.
NewsEnergy-efficiency funding still available for F&B firms under the EEC ProgramAustralian food and beverage manufacturers: apply by 18 February 2022 for grants of up to $25,000 to boost energy-efficiency and adopt new energy technologies under the latest round of the federal government’s Energy Efficient Communities program.
NewsSetting the course for protected croppingA strategy to provide direction and support for crops grown under shelter in Australia has been launched. Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Australian Protected Cropping Strategy 2021-2030 was a pathway for the industry to develop. “Protected cropping is a very broad term but basically it refers to crops grown within…
Growing the NSW Agricultural Economy: constraints and opportunities as perceived by farmersBaker, D., Tran, C., Coleman, M., Goodacre, M., Arkle, P., Tuckfield, J., Sindel, B.PaperGrowing the NSW Agricultural Economy: constraints and opportunities as perceived by farmersThis paper reports on a survey of farmers in NSW administered in late 2021, which identified the constraints and opportunities associated with the likely approaches towards growth. Consequently, the survey reports on areas in which support may be necessary to maximise farmers’ participation in the projected growth. Recognising that farms and farmers are highly heterogeneous, the survey partitioned respondents according to their stated goals for their farm businesses, by the activities undertaken to achieve those goals, and by physical, production, and geographic attributes of farm businesses. The survey sought farmers’ responses to a variety of statements of opportunity and constraint, which were subdivided according to their relevance to each of the five “capitals” within the widely-used capitals framework (comprising financial, physical, human, natural and social capital). Data reduction techniques were used to identify key constraints and opportunities as perceived by farmers, and to cluster these according to goals, needs, and enterprise type. Gap analysis provided insight into the roles to be played by the capitals in advancing farmers’ production value, filling gaps in capability, and maximising the inclusiveness of growth. The paper concludes with a set of strategic tasks defined from the survey results, identifies the likely stakeholder group surrounding each task on the basis of commonly held attributes, and characterises the needs of that group to ensure that they are well positioned to both contribute to and benefit from opportunities to expand agricultural productivity in NSW. Specific challenges for NSW Farmers as a representative and support organisation were also identified, including policy priorities.
Media CoverageAgricultural traceability: Benefiting the future of farmingThe Australian government recently revealed that $68 million will be invested into a national agricultural traceability program which will help Australian farmers increase their export value. Agriculture traceability, to put in simple terms, is the journey of produce from paddock to plate. NewsCop talked to Dr Shoufeng Cao, an expert in blockchain agriculture traceability and…
ArticleGarbage in garbage out: The precarious link between IoT and blockchain in food supply chainsThe application of blockchain in food supply chains does not resolve conventional IoT data quality issues. Data on a blockchain may simply be immutable garbage. In response, this paper reports our observations and learnings from an ongoing beef supply chain project that integrates Blockchain and IoT for supply chain event tracking and beef provenance assurance…
NewsUnlocking the chemical secrets of WA’s healthiest foodMurdoch University scientists are using cutting-edge methods and equipment to profile the nutritional makeup of high-value produce from across Western Australia, including truffles, artichokes and olive oil.
NewsFederal government pledges $19.1m to help F&B manufacturers go greenerGrants of up to $25,000 are available to assist food and beverage manufacturing SMEs in improving their energy-efficiency under the latest round of the Australian Government’s Energy Efficient Communities program.
NewsCosta Group’s $80m Guyra glasshouse expansion to create 800+ regional jobsThe expansion of Costa's Tomato Exchange glasshouse facility near Guyra, NSW, brings its total footprint to 40+ hectares, making it the largest such complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
ArticlePanoptic blockchain ecosystems: An exploratory case study of the beef supply chainBlockchain is a technologically enabled expression of the panopticon metaphor – however, duplicated as both a carrot and a stick. This paper demonstrates how the metaphor can be used to deepen an existing understanding of law and governance through the technology and social tool of blockchain. This enhances our understanding of blockchain and shows a…
Commercial Cultivation of Australian Wild Oryza spp.: A Review and Conceptual Framework for Future Research NeedsGehan Abdelghany, Penelope Wurm, Linh Thi My Hoang and Sean Mark BellairsArticleCommercial Cultivation of Australian Wild Oryza spp.: A Review and Conceptual Framework for Future Research NeedsWild Oryza species are being targeted for commercial cultivation due to their high nutritional grain profile, and their association with Aboriginal people in many regions. Australian wild Oryza species have potential as high-value, low-volume, culturally identified, and nutritious food, especially in gourmet food, tourism, restaurants, and value-added products. However, the basic agronomic protocols for their…
NewsNew method to revolutionise aquaculture industryMurdoch University research helped transform the Australian livestock industry through the development of a grading system for meat quality. Now, a new research project is setting the fast-growing global aquaculture industry in its sights.
NewsWoolworths turns sod on automated online fulfilment centre in Western SydneyWoolworths Group has begun constructing its first-ever automated ‘customer fulfilment centre’ in Auburn, Western Sydney.
NewsThought for Food: Lab Notes podcastIn this half-hour podcast, UNSW Professor and the CRC's Research & Commercialisation Director Cordelia Selomulya talks about sustainable, STEM-enabled food systems and the role research-industry collaboration can play in realising these.
Towards Assisted Autonomy for Supply Chain Compliance ManagementGowri Sankar Ramachandran; Felicity Deane; Sidra Malik; Ali Dorri; Raja JurdakPublicationTowards Assisted Autonomy for Supply Chain Compliance ManagementIn an agricultural supply chain, farmers, food processors, transportation agencies, importers, and exporters must comply with different regulations imposed by one or more jurisdictions depending on the nature of their business operations. Supply chain stakeholders conventionally transport their goods, along with the corresponding documentation via regulators for compliance checks. This is generally followed by a…
NewsCSIRO-BCA report: Translating research innovation into commercial realityA new report from CSIRO and the Business Council of Australia aims to arm business leaders with strategies for translating research outcomes into scaleable commercial innovations.
From premise to practice of social consensus: How to agree on common knowledge in blockchain-enabled supply chainsWarwick Powell, Shoufeng Cao, Thomas Miller, Marcus Foth, Xavier Boyen, Barry Earsman, Santiago del Valle, Charles Turner-MorrisArticleFrom premise to practice of social consensus: How to agree on common knowledge in blockchain-enabled supply chainsAttaining “Common Knowledge” is essential in the formation of deals and agreements, but is hard to achieve over point-to-point communication networks such as the Internet. While blockchain technologies provide a helpful mechanism in the form of technical consensus, originally created to resolve the double-spending problem, little does it address impediments to proper contract formation that…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 20 – November 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 20 – November 2021This month, we update you on the outcomes of our ‘Coffs food innovation ecosystem’ project, the release of Peel’s roadmap for Western Australia’s food and beverage businesses and the nutritional database The George Institute is developing for Food Standards ANZ. Please join us online for our annual Research Showcase this Thursday from 12.30pm AEDT –…
NewsMeet Ozgur Dedehayir: Innovation ecosystems expertQueensland University of Technology’s Dr Ozgur Dedehayir researches the strategic implications of technological evolution, disruptive innovations and their impacts on society. Most recently, he's been focused on food innovation ecosystems – a topic that resonates with this keen home chef.
News$8.78m MMI grant to further development of Sunshine Coast food-industry clusterAmong the food and beverage firms sharing $33+m under the federal government's MMI'S Translation and Integration streams is FAN food-cluster member Turbine Sunshine Coast, which will use its $8.7m grant to establish a large-scale contract manufacturing and R&D precinct at Sunshine Coast Airport.
NewsHort Innovation Masterclass in Horticultural Business 2022: applications openThe Horticulture Innovation Australia-backed University of Tasmania course is now in its fifth year. Apply now to join the 2022 cohort.
NewsFSANZ, The George Institute to develop new nutritional databaseFood Standards Australia New Zealand and The George Institute, known for its diet-friendly FoodSwitch app, have joined forces to develop a database that helps consumers understand the nutritional value of packaged foods in the region.
NewsPeel’s new roadmap for local food and beverage producersPeel Development Commission has launched a roadmap to help the region’s food and beverage producers capitalise on market opportunities domestically and overseas.
NewsWA Future Food Network grows from Southern DirtWestern Australia's new agrifood network aims to ‘connect, inspire and educate’ local food producers and manufacturers to drive the development of a progressive, sustainable agrifood sector for the state.
NewsNew registration and labelling processes for exporting to China WA DPIRD has announced new food-labelling requirements and a new registration process for food processing and storage facilities handling product for export to China.
NewsNew Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) for UNSW SydneyNew PVCR, Scientia Professor Sven Rogge brings a wealth of experience to furthering the strategic priorities and objectives of research at UNSW Sydney.
News2020/2021 Annual ReportThe Future Food Systems CRC 2020/2021 Annual Report provides an overview of project achievements, financials, CRC case studies and highlights of the second year of operation.
NewsEvery dollar invested in research and development creates $3.50 in benefits for Australia, says new CSIRO analysisRecent ABS stats show that Australian industry's R&D spend as a proportion of GDP is half the OECD average and the lowest it's been since 2003, but CSIRO analyses reveal that investing in innovation pays off, and is crucial for the nation's future resilience and prosperity.
Integrating On-chain and Off-chain Governance for Supply Chain Transparency and Integrity.Shoufeng Cao, Thomas Miller, Marcus Foth, Warwick Powell, Xavier Boyen, Charles Turner-MorrisPaperIntegrating On-chain and Off-chain Governance for Supply Chain Transparency and Integrity.Integrating on-chain and off-chain data storage for decentralised and distributed information systems, such as blockchain, presents specific challenges for providing transparency of data governance and ensuring data integrity through stakeholder engagement. Current research on blockchain-based supply chains focuses on using on-chain governance rules developed for cryptocurrency blockchains to store some critical data points without designing…
NewsPlans unveiled for world-leading medical research centre in South West SydneyThe $47.5m Lang Walker AO Medical Research facility, due to open in 2023, will enable local researchers to address the region's unique health challenges. WSU and UNSW are participants.
NewsHave your say on the ILH Airfreight Interface Concept envisaged for Western SydneyWestern Parkland City Authority has released its concept for a 24-hour, state-of-the-art Airfreight Interface at Western Sydney International Airport. Now it’s seeking stakeholder comment via an online survey open until 8 December.
NewsCoffs Harbour food innovation ecosystem project takeawaysThe final report of the ‘Coffs food innovation ecosystem’ project proposes four pathways to help the region’s agrifood firms transition to a new state of production marked by greater output and higher-value products.
NewsUNSW maintains pole position in engineering and technology in THE subject rankingsThe 2022 Times Higher Education rankings showcase UNSW’s strength across a broad range of disciplines, notably STEM subjects.
NewsWSU commits to future jobs, skills and research growth with state-of-the-art Agri-Tech Hub vision launchWestern Sydney University has launched its vision for an Agri-Tech Hub: a six-hectare, high-tech greenhouse complex for commercial, teaching and research work that will help create new jobs and opportunities for high-tech horticulture in the region.
Industry Guest Lecture (Kairu Qu from COFCO NHRI)COFCO NHRIReference MaterialIndustry Guest Lecture (Kairu Qu from COFCO NHRI)Industry Guest Lecture (Kairu Qu from COFCO NHRI)
BeefLegends: Connecting the Dots between Community, Culture and CommerceMcQueenie, John Michael, Foth, Marcus, Powell, Warwick, & Hearn, GregReportBeefLegends: Connecting the Dots between Community, Culture and CommerceThis report highlights the role of the 3Cs – Community, Culture, Commerce, a project design methodology for customising social, business, research project partnerships. 3C is a leader in the intermediation and brokerage of mutually beneficial design. From 2018 – 2021, 3C was deployed as part of a collaborative research study between BeefLedger Ltd and QUT,…
FFS Publication2020/21 Annual ReportThe Future Food Systems CRC 2020/2021 Annual Report provides an overview of project achievements, financials, CRC case studies and highlights of the second year of operation.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 19 – October 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 19 – October 2021Highlights this month include a new four-year project to optimise wheat grain drying and a cross-national collaboration to develop cost-effective, sustainable fertigation regimes for greenhouse vegetables. We also profile Charles Darwin University’s Dr Sean Bellairs, and Gareema Pandey, CRC Industry PhD. Sanitarium teams with UNSW scientists to optimise its wheat-grain drying operation In the ‘Art…
NewsWSU to partner with Qatar University to develop sustainable fertigation technologyProtected cropping experts at Western Sydney University are embarking on a CRC project with new partner Qatar University to deliver novel fertigation solutions that optimise indoor crops.
NewsWeet-Bix packaging now 100% recyclableFrom October 2021, Sanitarium Health Food Company will include the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on its Weet-Bix boxes, letting customers know the packaging is now fully recyclable - with the packaging of other Sanitarium products soon to be 100% recyclable, too.
NewsMackay biorefinery pilot plant ready for take-offWorld-leading technology has landed in Mackay, bringing Queensland one step closer to a $1 billion sustainable, export-oriented industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector.
NewsPeter Schutz wins AIFST President’s AwardCRC Board member Peter Schutz OAM has netted the 2021 Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology President’s Award for his outstanding contribution to the Australian food industry.
NewsSanitarium teams with UNSW scientists to optimise grain-drying operationIn a project starting mid-February 2022, UNSW scientists will work with Sanitarium to develop protocols for optimising the firm's Weet-Bix grain-drying process.
NewsMeet Sean Bellairs: native grains and site regeneration expertCharles Darwin University's Dr Sean Bellairs is a specialist in site revegetation and in breeding and establishing plants indigenous to Australia's north. He's also the research lead on the CRC's four-year, multi-partner 'Native rice commercialisation' project.
NewsFederation University launches Sustainable Food Systems courseGippsland-based Federation University has launched a three-year Bachelor of Sustainable Food Systems course that gives participants the practical and theoretical skills they’ll need to deliver safe, nutritious and sustainable food into local and global markets.
Media ReleaseState-of-the-art metabolomics food library launched in Western AustraliaScientists at Murdoch University’s Australian National Phenome Centre (ANPC) are embarking on a project with Bruker BioSpin and SMEs across Western Australia to create unique chemical fingerprinting methods for WA produce as part of the Future Food Systems CRC.
What Are the Effects of Short Video Storytelling in Delivering Blockchain-Credentialed Australian Beef Products to China?Shoufeng Cao, Marcus Foth, Warwick Powell, and Jock McQueenieArticleWhat Are the Effects of Short Video Storytelling in Delivering Blockchain-Credentialed Australian Beef Products to China?Short videos have become the most-liked medium for Chinese consumers to learn about a brand’s products or services. This paper assesses how short video storytelling shapes Chinese consumers’ perceptions towards blockchain-credentialed Australian beef and their willingness to pay (WTP). A controlled experiment with a one-minute short video was implemented in an online survey. Respondents in…
NewsCosta’s berry big venture nets Asia Fruit AwardCosta’s joint venture with Driscoll's vertically integrated blueberry operation in the Yunnan Province of China has netted a 2021 Asia Fruit Award for Impact.
NewsCDU to establish Renewable Energy Microgrid HubCharles Darwin University has been awarded more than $2 million in federal funds to establish a Renewable Energy Microgrid Hub, which will lead research to develop reliable, cost-effective, eco-friendly power systems.
NewsAgricultural research boost for Charles Darwin University The federal-government-backed $4m Research Institute for Northern Agriculture and Drought Resilience will boost CDU’s research capability in aquaculture, livestock, pastoral production. and cropping and horticulture systems.
NewsRegional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program: Apply nowRAMPP is a six-year, $50 million federal government program aimed at increasing the resilience and reliability of power supply for regional and remote communities.
NewsHort Innovation-AUSVEG-QDAF pilot shows fresh produce could be sea-freightedNew controlled-atmosphere tech shown to double the shelf life of sea-freighted fresh veg could give Australia's horticulture exporters an edge amid pandemic-fuelled air-freight price hikes.
NewsHave your say on the future of farming in NSWNew South Wales' peak agricultural association encourages members and non-members to contribute their views to a CRC project that aims to boost farmers' contributions to state coffers – and their own hip pockets.
NewsAre solar and wind the cheapest forms of energy? And other FAQs about renewablesUNSW renewables experts Alistair Sproul and Renate Egan weigh in on the future of energy generation, from solar voltaics to wind farms to battery storage.
NewsState-of-the-art food metabolomics library launched in Western AustraliaA just-commenced CRC project involving Murdoch University's ANPC, WA DPIRD, global scientific equipment firm Bruker and SMEs across WA will develop unique chemical fingerprints to validate health claims, expanding markets for premium WA products.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 18 – September 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 18 – September 2021Highlights this month include the CRC’s first major functional food project with WA DPIRD and Bruker, a robotics collaboration with commercial grower P’Petual, and a project to map protecting cropping facilities nationally led by Hort Innovation. We introduce a new international partner, Qatar University, and update you on partner news, funding opportunities and events. And…
NewsRobotic task automation project to prototype potential pollination solutionsInvolving SME grower P’Petual and QUT robotics experts, this CRC project aims to automate not just pollination, but all sorts of indoor-grown crop-tending tasks.
NewsQatar University joins Future Food Systems CRCNew CRC participant Qatar University, based in Doha, is the country’s leading tertiary education and research institution, ranked second of all the Arab universities in the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings.
NewsMeet Derek Baker: agrifood supply chains & regional development expertFor University of New England’s Professor Derek Baker, better agribusiness means everything from improving regional infrastructure to reducing waste and finding more resilient, responsive paths to market.
NewsCosta pledges support for Taskforce on Climate-related Financial DisclosuresCosta Group has pledged its support for the TCFD, joining more than 1,500 organisations committed to building a more resilient financial system to safeguard against climate risk.
NewsPerfection Fresh looks to expand export terrain for Calypso mangoesAs another bumper season begins Down Under, Perfection Fresh CEO Michael Simonetta talks with Fresh Plaza about the company’s plans for a mango-led global expansion.
NewsNew research jobs to drive local innovationUNE has teamed with Tamworth Regional Council and local businesses in a program to get UNE Innovation PhDs working on real-world innovations that capitalise on the region's food, agribusiness and ag-tech strengths.
NewsSupporting Northern Australia’s agricultural and food manufacturing capabilityCharles Darwin University has received $735,000 in funding from the Australian Government to develop the local industry's food manufacturing capabilities.
NewsVictorian Government helps bring locally produced Food to MarketThe Victorian Government has pledged $8.4 million to help the state’s agricultural producers manage and minimise supply-chain risks; build capability in domestic markets; and expand their export reach.
NewsGovernment greenlights phased pilot program to return international students to NSW universities by year’s endA committee led by WSU Vice-Chancellor Barney Glover has helped get NSW Government support for a pilot program that will bring 500 international students to the state's universities by early December.
NewsWestern Sydney University commits to ambitious energy targets as part of climate actionWestern Sydney University's new Sustainability and Resilience 2030 strategy builds on the university's current eco-credibility with commitments to using 100% renewable energy by 2026 and to carbon-neutrality by decade's end.
NewsWestern Sydney University launches high-tech jobs ‘accelerator’ vision for the WestWestern Sydney University's new Tech Jobs Accelerator builds on the success of the university's Launch Pad incubator, ensuring locals benefit from the opportunities that will accompany the soon-to-be-built Aerotropolis and related infrastructure investments.
NewsUNSW finalists announced in 2021 Eureka PrizesCreating low-cost sensor labels to record food freshness, finding new 'circular' solutions via micro-recycling, and extending the lifespan of next-gen solar cell materials are among 10 UNSW projects nominated for the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
NewsColes and Woolworths move to robot warehouses and on-demand labour as home deliveries soarBoth Coles and Woolworths have raced to implement new technology and change labour arrangements to keep pace with a boom in e-commerce, investing in 'smart' warehousing and distribution systems and using app-driven gig workers for grocery picking and delivery.
NewsFive ways going vegan could change your social life – not just your healthWith veganism a growing trend, researchers are documenting its positive impacts. Notably, finds Cambridge research associate Catherine Oliver, veganism allows people to feel good – not just in their health, but in having made planet-friendly choices aligned with their ethics.
NewsFIAL’s National Food Waste Feasibility Study report advocates industry-led initiativesAustralians waste 7.6 million tonnes of food annually, with 49 per cent of this occurring between farm and retailers’ shelves, and 51 per cent at the consumer end of the supply chain. Right now, Australian households are throwing away between $2,000 and $2,500 worth of food every year. The $400,000 National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility…
NewsNew map to help safeguard nation’s protected cropping industriesHorticulture Innovation Australia, University of New England's AARSC, Protected Cropping Australia, NSW LLS and Future Food Systems CRC have teamed up to develop a high-tech tool to map Australia's protected cropping facilities, thereby aiding biosecurity preparedness and natural disaster response efforts.
NewsNSW Circular’s Circular Challenge Funding Scheme: apply nowNSW Circular is offering up to $600k to support circular-economy scale-up projects in critical arenas, including solar PV and organic waste. Applications are open until 5pm AEST on Friday 26 November 2021.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 17 – August 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 17 – August 2021From the CEO It’s an exciting time for our food cluster participants as governments across Australia back innovation in food manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure. The $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative has prioritised the food sector. CRC industry and government partners are engaging with the program to channel grant funds into the public and commercial…
NewsAdvanced Vegetable Processing facility to add value to surplus Gippsland produceCRC food cluster participant Food & Fibre Gippsland has applied the European Union model of Smart Specialisation to undertake feasibility and technical studies for a recycling facility to valorise waste streams from the $7 billion Gippsland sector.
NewsChemical fingerprinting, sensory evaluation underway for WA globe artichokesThe first sensory evaluation and fingerprinting work is underway in the CRC’s ‘Bioactive components for value-add to Australian artichokes’ project following the winter-spring harvest of Mt Lindesay’s organic globe artichoke varieties.
NewsTakeaways: UN Food Systems National DialoguesIn the lead-up to the UN's inaugural Food Systems Summit this month, UN member countries including Australia hosted National Dialogues with stakeholders across the agrifood and sustainability sectors to establish priorities and issues for further discussion. View them here.
NewsMeet Ruey-Leng Loo: phenomics and precision nutrition expertDr Ruey-Leng Loo is a clinical pharmacist who is focusing her clinical expertise on the application of metabolic phenotyping in epidemiological and nutritional studies.
NewsSuez buys stake in Australian food repurposing venture YumeWaste giant SUEZ Australia New Zealand has acquired a 20 per cent stake in award-winning Australian food redistribution company Yume Food.
NewsNominations open for PCA Industry Awards 2022Nominations for Protected Cropping Australia's biennial Industry Awards, recognising the contributions of 'inspiring individuals' to the protected cropping sector, are open.
NewsWAFIP’s first X-Protein Lab cohort to take sustainable protein innovations to AsiaThe six pioneering companies selected as the WA Food Innovation Precinct's first X-Protein Lab cohort will work with WA and Singapore-based mentors to help expand the state’s capacity to supply sustainable healthy proteins to local, national and ASEAN markets.
NewsWSU a founding partner in new, collaborative NSW Public Policy InstituteDist. Prof. David Tissue, CRC Program 2 Lead has been appointed to the role of Research Grant Stream Lead within the new James Martin Institute for Public Policy, which brings policymakers and interdisciplinary academic teams together to address complex societal issues.
NewsInvestors get behind alt-meat firm Fable FoodQueensland-based Fable Food Co, a CRC participant, has raised $6.5m in seed funding to ramp up R&D and production of its fungi-based meat-substitute products.
NewsNew Decarbonisation Innovation Hub to help industry capitalise on sustainability opportunities in NSWThe CRC has registered an expression of interest in supporting the new NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub and its networks. The decision to establish the Hub followed the findings of an extensive Decarbonisation Innovation Study initiated in 2019.
NewsPortable chemistry kit sweetens native bush fruit productionIndigenous communities now have a tool enabling them to assess the quality and sweetness of their wild-harvested native bush fruits in the field, rather than sending samples off to food science laboratories.
What is blockchain?World Economic ForumReference MaterialWhat is blockchain?A two-minute introduction to distributed ledger technology.
How to Transform Food Systems: 7 Calls to ActionGlobal Alliance for the Future of FoodReference MaterialHow to Transform Food Systems: 7 Calls to ActionThis document was initially prepared by the Global Alliance for the Future of Food ‘to stimulate an understanding of critical issues related to food systems reform, inform individual member foundations, and guide Global Alliance collective action’. The Alliance has made it publicly available to inspire discussion about sustainable food systems reform.
Smart glass impacts stomatal sensitivity of greenhouse Capsicum through altered lightChenchen Zhao, Sachin Chavan, Xin He, Meixue Zhou, Christopher I Cazzonelli, Zhong-Hua Chen, David T Tissue, Oula GhannoumArticleSmart glass impacts stomatal sensitivity of greenhouse Capsicum through altered lightThis papers compares the stomatal responses of Capsicum plants grown hydroponically under control glass (70% diffuse light) or the smart glass (SG) film ULR-80, which blocked >50% of short-wave radiation and ~9% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).
Light‑altering cover materials and sustainable greenhouse production of vegetables: a reviewXin He, Chelsea Maier, Sachin G. Chavan, Chen-Chen Zhao, Yagiz Alagoz, Christopher Cazzonelli, Oula Ghannoum, David T. Tissue & Zhong-Hua ChenPaperLight‑altering cover materials and sustainable greenhouse production of vegetables: a reviewThis paper reviews the studies on advanced greenhouse cover materials with variable light transmittance, the effects of which on leaf photosynthesis, physiology, and yield. It also provides insights into the potential key biological processes of crops responding to these light changes, specifically light receptors, signal transduction, nutrient biosynthesis pathways during fruit development and ripening.
NewsGippsland agrifood producers get grant funding boostThe winners of Food & Fibre Gippsland’s ‘What’s Your Food or Fibre Challenge, Gippsland?’ have been announced. The successful businesses will use the funding and support to help them surmount obstacles to sustainable growth.
NewsNew sustainability framework for Australian horticulture sectorBoosting water and energy efficiency and cutting waste are just some of the opportunities identified in HIA’s new Horticulture Sustainability Framework, developed with extensive input from sector stakeholders.
NewsFuture Food Systems CRC joins global cluster networkThe CRC has joined the Oceania Chapter of The Competitive Institute (TCI) Network, an international organisation connecting and supporting specialised industry clusters around the world.
NewsRDA ACT establishes Canberra Region Food CollaborativeRegional Development Australia ACT calls it ‘a complete re-conception of a City-Region Food System’. The primary objective of the just-launched Canberra Region Food Collaborative is to source more food locally and sustainably.
NewsPerfection Fresh acquires table grapes firm, eyeing export market expansionNational fruit and veg wholesaler Perfection Fresh has acquired a major table grapes operation as part of an ongoing push to diversify.
NewsWorld-first blockchain-enabled credentialled marketplace – eCommerce 3.0 is hereQUT and Smart Trade Networks have just launched the world’s first fully blockchain-enabled credentialled marketplace. In their next 'Smart trade hubs' project, just commenced under the CRC, they plan to extend it to other commodities and markets.
Media CoverageThe world’s first fully blockchain-enabled credential led marketplaceQUT Design Lab and Smart Trade Networks are set to launch and demonstrate the world’s first fully blockchain-enabled credential led marketplace. The Smart Trade Networks marketplace is an eCommerce 3.0 platform allowing traders and investors of all sizes to track, trace and trade. The launch will also reveal a ‘Global Portfolio’, with more than 30…
Media CoverageUNE and Costa team up to help improve hydroponic croppingWORLD first Australian research is looking to better understand microbial colonies in the root zones of hydroponically grown greenhouse tomato crops.
Media CoverageUNE and Costa team up to help improve hydroponic croppingWORLD first Australian research is looking to better understand microbial colonies in the root zones of hydroponically grown greenhouse tomato crops.
Media CoverageUNE and Costa team up to help improve hydroponic croppingWORLD first Australian research is looking to better understand microbial colonies in the root zones of hydroponically grown greenhouse tomato crops.
NewsFood for thought: are organic foods really pesticide-free?When you buy organic food, you don’t always get food free from pesticides, says UNSW expert Associate Professor Jayashree Arcot.
NewsUNSW tops ARC Research Hub grantsMore than $9 million in ARC grants have been awarded to two UNSW Sydney projects providing research into sensors for the health sector and new technologies for Australia’s infrastructure needs.
NewsMark Cardamis: seeking mobile sensing solutions for remote crop controlMark Cardamis has graduated from making mini greenhouse prototypes to joining a collaborative university-industry project team as a CRC Industry PhD, exploring mobile sensing systems for remote monitoring of crops in advanced indoor greenhouse systems.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 16 – July 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 16 – July 2021From the CEO Despite widespread lockdowns across three states it’s been full steam ahead for the CRC, with the new financial year bringing more projects and participants. Projects commenced this month include a second project with BeefLedger and new participant Smart Trade Networks, to expand their blockchain-enabled smart trading platform to new markets and products;…
NewsPutting Farmers at the Centre: realising gains from agricultural innovation and growthTo attain its 30x30 goal, NSW Farmers needs the state's primary producers to expand their contribution to the state's coffers. So it's teamed up with UNE researchers in a farmer-focused project that aims to identify obstacles to growth and find ways to overcome them.
NewsSmart trade platform progresses from POC to Asian expansionIn stage 2 of the Smart Trade Hubs program, QUT and SCP Capital will extend their blockchain-backed digital trading platform, developed for premium beef exports to China, to high-value fruits, wines and artisan liquor destined for markets across Asia.
NewsiMOVE CRC research underpins new National Freight Data hubiMOVE CRC research into Australia's freight transport routes and distribution hubs is the basis for the a new national repository of freight information, which will become progressively more comprehensive as sector users enter more data.
NewsGS1 joins AFGC to help digitise and streamline Australia’s food supply chainsThe Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has teamed with global standards group GS1 Australia to help Australia’s food and grocery manufacturing industry implement improved supply-chain standards and technology.
NewsNSW DPI creates new role to boost ag industry adoption of science-based solutionsNSW DPI Agriculture has appointed the head of its Northern Horticulture division, Matt Adkins, as its new Leader for Industry Adoption in a bid to boost farmer uptake of its scientifically based business solutions.
NewsMarcus Foth: food and data interaction expertQUT Design Lab head and Professor of Urban Informatics Marcus Foth undertakes cutting-edge transdisciplinary work that “brings together people, place and technology". He's also leading the CRC's Smart Trade Hubs project, and using his expertise to help save wombats and bees.
NewsAustralia’s HydroREC joins world-leading Zero Carbon Certification SchemeInnovative Queensland developer HydroREC, a spinoff from CRC industry participant Smart Trade Networks, has become a Founding Partner in the Smart Energy Council and Hydrogen Australia’s Zero Carbon Certification Scheme.
NewsCosta Group acquires Central Queensland citrus operation in export pushCRC industry partner Costa Group has diversified its business further by acquiring Queensland citrus-growing company 2PH Farms.
NewsCould offshore wind turbines help Australia become an energy superpower?New research confirms Australia’s offshore wind resources offer vast potential both for electricity generation and new jobs.
News‘They just kept on rising’: data reveals alarming greenhouse gas increaseIf we're to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2050, governments, industry and individuals need to do much more, suggest research findings from a multinational team that included UNSW Sydney Professor Tommy Wiedmann.
NewsNew ARC Centre uses behavioural economics to spur adoption of beneficial technologyQUT researchers will lead the $6.5 million ARC Training Centre for Behavioural Insights for Technology Adoption (BITA) that aims to accelerate Australians’ adoption of innovation technologies in health, agriculture and cybersecurity.
NewsCould decentralised agrifood clusters be key to sustainable food systems?In this thought-provoking paper, Sydney academic and urban planner Steven Liaros contends that 'the transition to a fully circular economy will require a paradigm shift ... away from large-scale industrial agriculture to a decentralised network of circular food systems'.
NewsFood and beverage manufacturers get MMI funds to modernise and scale upMMI Round 2 grant recipients in the food and beverage manufacturing sector include a pie-bakery keen to expand production, a recycled-packaging manufacturer, a soon-to-be-greener brewery, a supplier of beekeeping systems, and a business looking to install new freeze-drying and processing equipment and technology.
NewsAustralian Government pledges $50m to bolster supply-chain capabilities$50m in grant funding is on offer to help build supply-chain capabilities in two critical areas: biopharmaceuticals and agricultural production chemicals. Apply by COB 12 August.
NewsCDU scientists help fight biosecurity threatCharles Darwin University chemists have developed a scent profile and artificial scent lures designed to help sniffer dogs detect citrus canker disease in Northern Territory citrus orchards.
NewsEstablishing a First Nations research networkMenzies School of Health Research (Menzies) at Charles Darwin University will be part of a National Network for First Nations Researchers, being established to help grow the next generation of research leaders.
NewsFable Food Co’s Chief Scientific Officer talks with his celebrity chef idolJim Fuller - chemical engineer, fine-dining chef, mycologist and now Chief Scientific Officer with Fable Food Co - was a recent guest on celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal's podcast Heston's Journey to the Centre of Food.
Media CoverageCosta teams up for tomato studyA world-first study using DNA samples from hydroponic tomatoes is being undertaken through a collaboration between Costa and University of New England (UNE). The ‘tomato rhizobiome’ project’ – which will be part of the Future Food Systems Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) – is designed to further the understanding of microbial colonies in the root zones…
News$800m in federal funds for collaborative food manufacturing projectsUnder its Modern Manufacturing Initiative, the Australian Government is offering $800m in grant funding for large-scale collaborative projects in priority manufacturing areas, including food and beverages.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 15 – June 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 15 – June 2021From the CEO This month we welcome two new Board members. Mark Prendergast is a senior executive and non-executive director who brings more than two decades’ international experience in the food industry to the CRC. Tony Cull has extensive board-level experience within multinational corporations, large cooperatives and family-owned businesses across Australia, South-East Asia and East…
NewsCRC welcomes two new Board membersIn June 2021, the CRC farewelled outgoing Board member Valerie Linton and welcomed two new Members to its Board: Mark Prendergast and Tony Cull.
NewsQUT scientists to develop “new healthy protein opportunities” for SanitariumUK-trained QUT biochemist Robert Speight is leading a new CRC project with Sanitarium Health Food Company exploring healthy proteins for plant-based products.
NewsVicky Solah: food science and human nutrition expertMurdoch University Associate Professor Vicky Solah brings 36 years of expertise in food science and human nutrition to the CRC. Right now she's profiling artichokes for CRC partner Mt Lindesay. Next, she'll begin upcycled fruit-and-veg product trials at the new WA Food Innovation Precinct.
NewsSmart cropping advice: CRC publishes new report for indoor growersThis CRC report canvasses the latest developments in phenotyping for advanced protected cropping facilities. It assesses tools and tech used by commercial growers to monitor and manage crop inputs impacting attributes including growth, health and yield.
NewsCRC Association Early Career Research CompetitionIn the lead-up to its annual conference, 18-20 October, the CRC Association is calling for video submissions from early-career researchers. Three winners each get a free trip to Canberra, full registration and the chance to showcase their research and win $5,000. Apply by COB 31 August.
NewsNorthern Australia’s native rice: ripe for commercialisationIn stage 1 of this multi-year collaboration, two CRC partner universities, NT Government and three First Nations enterprises have joined forces to collect, analyse and develop protocols for the world's first broadacre plantings of native wild rice in Northern Australia.
NewsMapping traffic to cut congestion, aid mobility in Western SydneyiMOVE CRC's FAST project will explore transport patterns and suggest solutions to reduce congestion and streamline traffic flows in Liverpool LGA, especially between Liverpool CBD and the plannned Western Sydney International Airport.
NewsExport Grants Funding Scheme: new rulesThe federal government’s export support grants have been revamped, with new rules from 1 July. Check out the new application guidelines and your eligibility.
NewsThe good oil on remote sensingUniversity of New England researchers are working with Hort Innovation, NSW DPI and the Australian Olive Association to develop tools that improve yield forecasts, reduce water use and aid disease control and risk management.
NewsNew discoveries pave the way for an algal boomIt's clean, green, and nutritionally potent. Murdoch University researchers have found a number of uses for microalgae, from animal feed to beta-carotene supplements.
Media CoverageA tri-polar privacy world: China, EU, US conflict on rights regimesThere’s an old African saying: When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. And when elephants make love, it is the grass that suffers. Libertine innuendo aside, what happens when three elephants rub elbows? That is the as-yet unanswered question that insiders are asking about data privacy regimes, especially those involving biometrics collected…
NewsUNSW solar pioneer wins major international engineering awardUNSW Engineering Professor Thorsten Trupke has won the internationally coveted IEEE William Cherry Award for outstanding contributions to photovoltaic science and technology.
NewsGreen goals: QUT students target Australia’s food and plastics wasteExtending ‘use by’ dates, banning supermarkets from ditching edible food and developing re-usable meal kit packaging are among the ideas being explored by researchers at QUT’s Centre for a Waste-Free World, launched last year to develop ‘circular economy’ ideas and technologies.
NewsFifth-gen vegie grower’s global e-sales nets him Hort Innovation’s Exporter of the YearThe HIA-sponsored exporter award at Hort Connections' 2021 went to Queensland vegie grower Steven Moffat, who's been direct-selling Moffat products into overseas markets since 2015.
NewsHort Innovation launches $28m program to boost tree-crop productivityHort Innovation, NSW DPI, WA DPIRD and SARDI, have teamed up in a five-year, $28m program to boost quantity and quality in five of Australia's key fruit and nut crops - starting with citrus.
Media CoverageWhat is ‘DeFi’, and how might the blockchain tech behind bitcoin cost bankers their jobs?Imagine a world where you can purchase a house directly from the seller, without needing to go through banks, lawyers and real estate agents. That idea sounds like heaven for some people. It might be possible to cut out all those middlemen one day, thanks to an idea called de-centralised finance (“DeFi”) — which runs on blockchain (a technology…
NewsGlobal insights, home and away: apply now for a 2022 Nuffield ScholarshipApplications by 6 August for next year’s Nuffield Scholarship, which helps recipients broaden their horizons with regard to on agrifood-related topics, then translate those learnings into action ‘back home’.
NewsGS1 teams with AFGC to help digitise and streamline Australia’s food supply chainsThe AFGC has teamed with GS1 Australia to improve supply-chain data across Australia's food and grocery manufacturing industry.
NewsUNSW boasts its record number of Fulbright Scholars in 2021Ten UNSW academics, PhD candidates and alumni will travel to esteemed US research institutions and organisations under the flagship foreign exchange program.
NewsQUT Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant to get capabilities upgradeThe federal government has pledged $5.2m to upgrade the capability of QUT Mackay's biomanufacturing scale-up facility, used to demonstrate the viability of new technologies and produce products in sizeable quantities.
‘Protected cropping’: NSW DPI research reports/informationNSW Department of Primary IndustryReference Material‘Protected cropping’: NSW DPI research reports/informationOutlines the findings of NSW Government Department of Primary Industry (DPI) research into protected-cropping, covering everything from optimal irrigation regimes in hydroponic crops to implementing integrated pest and disease management in greenhouses.
Sustaining Australia: Food and Grocery Manufacturing 2030Australian Food & Grocery CouncilReference MaterialSustaining Australia: Food and Grocery Manufacturing 2030This report was compiled by the leading industry body for Australia’s food and grocery manufacturing sector, with economic analysis from Warren Hogan of EQ Economics. The report provides in-depth analysis of the sector, identifying opportunities and vulnerabilities. It outlines the investment and policy decisions required to ensure the sector thrives, at home and in export markets. The report includes recommendations on long-term industry strategy, investment incentives, workforce skills, regulatory reform, digital labelling, retailer-supplier relationships and export growth strategy.
Food for the Future: Showcasing CollaborationNational Centre for Universities and BusinessReference MaterialFood for the Future: Showcasing CollaborationA report from the UK’s National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) highlighting university and business partnerships formed to help Britain acquire the capability to produce enough nutritious food, sustainably, to feed future generations.
NewsEscavox’s smart supply-chain tech cuts food loss, boosts producer profitsEscavox co-founder and CEO Luke Wood talks with AgFutures about the company’s Blue Box, a smart supply-chain tracking device dubbed ‘CCTV for food’.
NewsA new roadmap for Australia’s research infrastructureThe federal government has appointed an expert working group to develop a roadmap setting out Australia’s research infrastructure needs and priorities for the coming five to 10 years.
Media CoverageA company called EcoMag plans to turn waste from a Western Australian salt production site into all sorts of things including products for the health industryWidespread weekend rainfall reached most of the state’s grain growing regions and even got into parts of the state’s northern and eastern areas. Aggie Forrester, from Winning Station, 250 kilometres north of Carnarvon, poured 66 millimetres out of the gauge said the rain is fantastic. Demand for some canola seed varieties has increased by as…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 14 – May 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 14 – May 2021From the CEO This month has seen changes and additions to the CRC executive team. Distinguished Professor David Tissue has taken over from Professor Ian Anderson as the Lead for Research Program 2 – see his profile below. Dr Maria Chandra-Hioe has joined as Research Project Coordinator. Maria, a food scientist and nutritionist, will be…
NewsFood in the Capital: helping to reposition Canberra as a sustainable agrifood hubDiscussion at RDA's Food in the Capital event centred on what's needed to reposition Canberra and the surrounding region as a sustainable, economically viable agrifood hub.
NewsValuable early results from tomato rhizobiome trialsThe ‘Tomato rhizobiome project’, designed to find ways to foster robust microbial colonies in the root zones of hydroponic greenhouse tomato plants, is proceeding well, with initial findings 'very promising', says industry partner Costa Group.
NewsMeet David Tissue: crop science expertIn a career spanning decades, continents and planets, Distinguished Professor David Tissue has maintained a thirst for exploration and a desire to help crops thrive, even in the most hostile environments.
NewsPerfection Fresh goes bananas for bananasFurther diversifying its offerings, Australia's leading horticultural producer-distributor has acquired banana business Pacific Coast Produce Marketing, enabling it to license the environmentally friendly Red Tip™ Ecoganic™ banana.
NewsCRC report: Scoping the protected cropping sectorThe first in a series of CRC-commissioned reports on this fast-growing horticultural sector investigates target crops and technologies for commercial protected cropping in Australian conditions.
NewsPeel Business Park calls for EOIs from innovative agrifood businessesWA’s Peel Business Park, site of the soon-to-be-built WA Food Innovation Precinct, is seeking expressions of interest from agrifood and ancillary businesses keen to carve their own footprints in the precinct.
NewsCRC-NA appoints local mover and shaker as CEOProud North Queenslander Anne Stünzner, fresh from advocacy and economic advisor roles in local government and regional economic development, is looking forward to her new role leading the CRC for Northern Australia.
NewsThe rise and rise of Fable Food Co: Michael Fox talks businessMichael Fox, co-founder and CEO of thriving alt-meat SME Fable Food Co, has been busy running the company - and guesting on podcasts Curveball and The Mentor, where he discussed sustainable food production, pandemic pivoting and how he secured investor backing for Fable.
NewsWAFIP Enterprise Support Program to fund growth of innovative agrifood SMEsEligible agrifood SMEs can apply for dollar-matched funding of up to $200K to scale up, commercialise and develop new food products within the new WA Food Innovation Precinct via the just-launched Enterprise Support Program.
NewsFood Innovation Precinct WA to drive growth in premium value-added foodsConstruction has begun on WAFIP, which will include an advanced food-manufacturing facility and food science, processing and educational facilities. The CRC will work with its WA partners to deliver R&D services within the precinct.
NewsFood in the Capital recapThe focus of the Food in the Capital conference, held over two days in October 2020 and May 2021, was on the critical role food production, consumption and new technology will play in helping Canberra to become a fully sustainable city.
Media ReleaseNew WA Food Innovation Precinct to drive growth of high-quality value-added food products in Australia’s WestConstruction of the Western Australian Food Innovation Precinct has commenced, with an official ‘turning of the sod’ ceremony held on site on the morning of Thursday 20 May, and an industry launch of the precinct and accompanying Enterprise Support Program at the adjacent Bushfire Centre of Excellence in the afternoon.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 12 – March 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 12 – March 2021From the CEO As anticipated, 2021 is presenting a range of stimulus opportunities for firms in food and related technology sectors. A new Department of Industry Commercialisation Fund has been established to support small manufacturers and their research partners – potentially one of the CRC’s universities – in delivering discrete innovation projects of around 18…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 13 – April 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 13 – April 2021From the CEO On April 7, the NSW Government, the Namoi Joint Organisation of Councils (JO) and the CRC announced that the Namoi region would become the state’s fourth Regional Jobs Precinct. The CRC has been working with the JO for the past six months to develop a super-cluster initiative in this highly productive agricultural…
NewsKids learn firsthand from farmersNSW Farmers is joining forces with primary producers statewide to offer farm-based experiences to primary-school students participating in the federally funded Kids to Farms program.
NewsHalf a century of Big Data for software pioneerBig data pioneer and licence-holder of the world’s most widely used livestock performance analysis software, BREEDPLAN, the University of New England's Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) celebrates a half-century of operation this year.
NewsWorld-first clear solar glass greenhouse opens on Murdoch University campusThe world's first clear solar glass greenhouse is up and running at Murdoch University's grains research precinct. Renowned geneticist Professor Chengdao Li and his team will use the facility to develop new breeding technologies for use in commercial cropping.
NewsMarket opportunities abound across ASEAN for Australian food products and ag-techAustrade’s latest export market updates indicate significant potential for Australian food and ag-tech exports across the ASEAN region – and even some bright spots in China.
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 11 – February 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 11 – February 2021From the CEO This month, we introduce you to UNSW’s Associate Professor Pat Spicer, who traded a product-development position with Procter & Gamble in the United States to pursue a research career in Sydney. Right now, Pat is bringing his passion for developing new products and solutions – and his industry experience – to our…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 10 – January 2021Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 10 – January 2021From the CEO 2021 begins with renewed global commitment to innovation across food systems and significant growth opportunities for our industry partners. Some of the world’s biggest investors are throwing their weight behind the future foods megatrend – see, for example, this CNBC story about how to ‘ride the boom’. Meanwhile, the United Nations is…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 9 – December 2020Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 9 – December 2020From the CEO The CRC’s first full year of operation has been quite an adventure. Rounding up, I’d like to thank the head office team, the research team and our industry and government partners for adapting so well to the circumstances, continuing to form projects, deliver research and find new ways to communicate. A substantial…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 8 – November 2020Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 8 – November 2020From the CEO November has been an exceptionally busy month for the CRC with a raft of new projects in development, the CRC’s Annual General Meeting, and preparation for our annual Research Showcase event. On the research front, a smart greenhouse project with the Greenbio Group has commenced and a major precision nutrition project funded…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 7 – October 2020Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 7 – October 2020From the CEO It’s been a productive month as the team works with industry and research partners to complete a raft of new project agreements before the end of the year. New projects in the works include three with Western Australian partners, a Greenbio/QUT vertical farming initiative, and a major foundation project for protected-cropping innovation…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 6 – September 2020Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 6 – September 2020From the CEO This month, the CRC has taken its food-industry cluster and value-chain transformation activities to a new level, with major projects in discussion in both Peel, Western Australia, and the Namoi region of New South Wales. These projects will align closely with local, state and Commonwealth Government programs to boost Australian manufacturing and…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 5 – August 2020Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 5 – August 2020From the CEO This month, the CRC entered into a new regional development alliance with Namoi Unlimited, a consortium of five NSW councils in one of Australia’s most productive agricultural regions. The initiative has attracted significant local media coverage and community support, and is just one example of the national movement we are seeing towards…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 4 – July 2020Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 4 – July 2020From the CEO COVID-19 is highlighting the need for greater security and efficiency in food supply chains. Nutrition, provenance and safety are at premium. Rising demand in segments such as alternative proteins and trusted fresh food is creating new opportunities for partners. At the same time, the Commonwealth’s Regional Deal program is recognising the potential…
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 3 – February 2020NewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 3 – February 2020
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 2 – December 2019Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 2 – December 2019
Future Food Systems eNews issue # 1 – November 2019Future Food SystemsNewsletterFuture Food Systems eNews issue # 1 – November 2019Bruker technology powers the Australian National Phenome Centre The new Australian National Phenome Centre (ANPC), opened formally on 4 October by Acting Premier of Western Australia and Health Minister, the Hon. Roger Cook, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Hon. Ben Morton, and the Governor of Western Australia, the Hon. Kim Beazley…
NewsNT Government and AMGC partner up to promote advanced manufacturingThe Territory Labor Government will invest $8.5m over five years with the federally-funded Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre to fast-track manufacturing innovation projects – including agribusiness-related projects – across Australia’s Top End
NewsUNSW spray dryer produces perfectly dry, 99.8% pure magnesium citrateIn an initial trial in the UNSW-EcoMag project, chemical engineers at UNSW were able to produce very high-purity Mg citrate using their state-of-the-art spray dryer. It's a first, successful step towards EcoMag's goal of scaling up to commercial production using the new process.
NewsSmart Glass and LLEAF: novel spectra-shifting tech to boost energy-efficiency, crop growth and yield under coverA new CRC project is comparing two novel light-spectra-shifting films on energy-efficiency and crop productivity in greenhouse-grown lettuce.
NewsAn industry with legs: Australia’s first edible insects roadmapAustralia has the potential to become a major player in the billion-dollar global edible insect industry, producing nutritious, sustainable, ethical protein products to bolster global food security, contends a new roadmap by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.
NewsWSU ranked in top 1.5% of the world’s universities for social, ecological and economic impactWSU has cemented its position in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings as one of the world's top-ranking tertiary institution with regard to social, environmental and economic impacts.
News5 future forces set to disrupt Australia’s agrifood sector over the next decadeA new report pinpoints five ‘future forces’ likely to impact Australia's agriculture sector and agrifood supply chains over the next 10 years, extrapolating seven plausible 2031 scenarios as food for thought and for constructive, change-oriented conversations.
NewsCould Australia’s capital become a sustainable, self-sufficient food zone?If Canberra and the ACT backed the development of sustainable local food production and urban farming systems, the region could become a leader in urban agriculture and in meeting our emissions targets, contends Regional Development Australia ACT CEO Michael Claessens.
NewsTonight, I’ll be having cultivated meat with a side saladThe idea of ordering slaughter-free authentic meat is becoming a reality, says Professor Johannes le Coutre, a food scientist from UNSW Sydney's School of Chemical Engineering.
NewsFIAL calls for supply-chain traceability SMEs to join it at foodpro 2021FIAL invites eligible SMEs or micro-businesses with products or services related to food and beverage supply-chain integrity to submit EOIs with a view to participating in the Traceability and Provenance Zone at foodpro 2021, in Sydney in late July.
NewsSanitarium Health Food Company launches Weet-Bix for Little Kids EssentialsIconic Australian health food brand Sanitarium has developed a new breakfast cereal designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers: Weet-Bix Little Kids Essentials is high in fibre and essential micronutrients, low in sugar and has no artificial flavours, colours, preservatives or added salt.
NewsSpecialised agrifood clusters: theory and practiceIn this useful report, QUT's Randall McHugh explores the pros and cons of specialist industry clusters, and examines the potential benefits to our agrifood sector of clustering in locations well suited to agrifood operations..
NewsCan initiating the Maillard reaction improve functional attributes of plant proteins?In a paper just published in Critical Reviews in Food Science, researchers from UNSW Sydney’s School of Chemical Engineering. review the literature on functional attributes of plant-derived proteins and explore how these might be improved by inducing a partial Maillard reaction and subsequent conjugation.
NewsA hub for drought resilience innovation in the Top EndA new research and innovation hub, based at Charles Darwin University and with nodes in Katherine, Alice Springs, Broome and Perth, will help Northern Australia's producers and communities prepare for and respond to drought.
Namoi Investment Prospectus: North West New South WalesRegional Development Australia – Northern Inland NSWReference MaterialNamoi Investment Prospectus: North West New South WalesAgricultural investment opportunities in the Namoi, NSW’s Northern Inland region, abound, thanks to the reliable volume of premium-quality agricultural output available. This provides the scale and continuity of throughput needed to support further processing and value-adding activity. This, in turn, ensures that a larger proportion of economic growth from agriculture can be retained in the region.
Protected Cropping ToolkitProtected Cropping AustraliaReference MaterialProtected Cropping ToolkitA series of practical, informational videos from Protected Cropping Australia, the main industry body for Australia’s protected cropping operators, large and small. Topics covered include: Layout & Planning, Greenhouse Set-Up, Irrigation, Nutrient Management, Cleaning and Sanitation and Pests & Diseases.
Hort Innovation Reports, publications and fact sheetsHort InnovationReference MaterialHort Innovation Reports, publications and fact sheetsAn array of useful information for growers from the peak industry body for Australia’s horticulture sector, an estimated 30 per cent of which consists of low-, medium- and high-tech commercial protected-cropping operations that range from major growers to boutique operations located across all states and territories. PC operators grow a broad variety of fruits and vegetables including blueberries, strawberries, rubus (raspberries, blackberries), tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, capsicum, salad (including Asian) greens, herbs, chillies, eggplant and more.
Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2023/24Hort InnovationReference MaterialAustralian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2023/24Information on the four subsectors listed above are available to download free of charge as four separate pdf documents.
Improvements of plant protein functionalities by Maillard conjugation and Maillard reaction productsRishi Ravindra Naik, Yong Wang and Cordelia SelomulyaArticleImprovements of plant protein functionalities by Maillard conjugation and Maillard reaction productsThis review covers recent advances in plant-derived protein modification using Maillard conjugation, including different pretreatments to modify the functionality and bioactivity of plant proteins and their potential uses in practice. An overview of different properties of conjugates and MRPs, including food safety aspects, is given.
NewsHow to get the most out of research when universities and industry team upA consultation paper on university research commercialisation is the latest effort by the federal government to increase the impact of Australia's oft-groundbreaking research. This article from The Conversation looks at a recent study on industry-university collaboration.
NewsScaling up to a global circular economyAccenture’s Cohort ’21 initiative helps circular-economy innovators from across the globe - including several in the agrifood space - showcase and scale their ideas for upcycling waste. To contribute to the collective effort, join The Circular Accelerator's Circular Community Action Group.
NewsModern Manufacturing Initiative funding opens to renewables and recycling projectsThe federal government's Modern Manufacturing Initiative is offering dollar-matched funding to Australia-based manufacturers with suitable recycling and renewables projects, but act fast: you have until COB on Wednesday 5 May to get your application in.
Media CoverageNSW Government announces new regional jobs precinct in the NamoiAt a Tamworth press conference on Wed 7 April 2021, The Hon Kevin Anderson, Minister for Better Regulation and Member for Tamworth, announced that NSW’s Namoi will be one of the state’s four Regional Jobs Precincts.
NewsNSW Government announces new Regional Jobs Precinct in the NamoiIt's official: NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has announced that the Namoi region will be the state’s fourth Regional Jobs Precinct. The CRC will work with the Namoi Joint Organisation, NSW Government, UNSW and UNE to help plan the new precinct.
NewsValidating the nutritional properties of globe artichokesWestern Australian globe artichoke producer Mt Lindesay has teamed with researchers at Murdoch University in a project to validate key properties of their artichokes.
NewsFood, beverage and technology grant opportunities: an Australian round-upCommonwealth, State and Territory government funding is available to help Australia's food, beverage, agricultural and ancilllary organisations, big and small, revive and thrive post-pandemic.
NewsFederal government launches $1.38m food & beverage grants initiative and industry-led sector road mapThe federal government has opened grant applications to food and beverage manufacturers under its $1.3b Modern Manufacturing Initiative. But act fast: the application window closes at COB 27 April.
NewsNSW Government commits $100m to regional jobs creationThe New South Wales Government has committed $100m to help existing regional businesses grow, boost regional job numbers, and encourage interstate and overseas firms to invest in non-urban NSW.
News5 global megatrends set to shape our agrifood futureA new report from ABARES details global megatrends set to shape the future of our nation's agriculture sector – from data-driven disruption to dramatic climate change.
NewsGovernment calls for input on ‘critical technologies’ in ag and health sectorsThe federal government is consulting key stakeholders on current and emerging technologies in the health and agriculture sectors that could advance or undermine Australia’s national interests.
NewsFederal Government launches $30m Commercialisation FundSME CRC industry participants may wish to apply for the Australian Manufacturing Growth Centre’s new Commercialisation Fund. It offers dollar-matched grants of between $100,000 and $1m to small-scale, collaborative manufacturing projects.
NewsWEF says greening food supply chains could curb global GG emissions by 25%A recent World Economic Forum report contends cutting supply-chain emissions to near-net zero by 2050 is more readily achievable than you might think. And the food and ag sector could do the most to help.
NewsRound 1 of Modern Manufacturing Initiative funding open for food & beverage firmsAustralian food and beverage manufacturing firms have just four weeks to apply for grants under Round 1 of the federal government's Modern Manufacturing Initiative to help them scale up, employ and export. So act fast!
NewsAustralia ripe for a regional renaissance, says NFFThe time is right for a coordinated effort to bolster resilience in our regions and invest in their strengths, contends the National Farmers’ Federation, which released its Regionalisation Agenda paper this week.
NewsWA lupin genome breakthrough paves the way to superior plant-based proteinsScientists from Murdoch University and WA DPIRD have published an improved reference genome for narrow-leafed lupins, paving the way to new high-performance varieties of the protein-rich pulse legume.
NewsUNSW researchers lead Australian Academy of Science top honoursUNSW scientists have been honoured for their world-changing discoveries, including revealing the physics of sea-level change, understanding heatwaves, and creating cheap flexible stable and non-toxic solar cells.
NewsProject Zero30: can Armidale LGA go carbon-neutral in under nine years?A shared vision for a carbon-neutral Armidale region will soon become reality, thanks to a new partnership between the University of New England, Armidale Regional Council, Business New England and an engaged local community.
NewsCosta Group adds traceability tech to its avocado labelsCosta Group’s Lovacado-branded avocados now have QR codes embedded in their stickers, enabling the company - and consumers - to track each avo’s path from farm gate to packing shed to plate.
Policy brief: Connecting food systems for co-benefits: How can food systems combine diet-related health with environmental and economic policy goals?Kelly Parsons, Corinna HawkesReference MaterialPolicy brief: Connecting food systems for co-benefits: How can food systems combine diet-related health with environmental and economic policy goals?This publication examines how food systems can combine diet-related health with environmental and economic policy goals.
NewsQUT appoints sustainability Pro Vice-ChancellorQUT has appointed Professor Kerrie Wilson as Pro Vice-Chancellor, Sustainability Strategy, to provide strategic leadership and advice on embedding sustainability into the university's strategy, policy, research and education.
News‘What’s your food or fibre challenge, Gippsland?’Food & Fibre Gippsland and Federation University have teamed up to help the region's agribusinesses surmount obstacles to commercialisation and economic success. Enter the Challenge for a chance to win six months of mentorship, funding and R&D support.
NewsMeet Wen Hu: IoT expertFor UNSW Associate Professor and networked embedded sensor expert Wen Hu, automated farms supplying ‘smart cities’ with premium fresh food are the way of the future. And IoT systems are paving the way to this new, networked reality.
NewsQUT scientists’ computer simulation a game-changer for fruit and veg processingA Queensland-Sri Lanka research team has developed a cheaper, faster, more accurate way to ascertain optimal drying times for various crops, using apples to trial the technology.
NewsGehan Abdelghany, PhD student: Developing agronomic protocols for the cultivation of Australian wild Oryza species in Northern AustraliaFor Egyptian academic Gehan Abdelghany, who’s spent much of her career to date finding beneficial uses of indigenous plant species, undertaking a PhD with the FFS-backed ‘Commercialising native rice’ project was a natural progression.
Australian native rice commercialisationCDUWebsiteAustralian native rice commercialisationAustralian 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.
NewsEcoMag seeks $1.5b opportunity in global market for high-purity Mg saltsEcoMag Ltd, which turns Pilbara sea-salt waste streams into 99% pure magnesium compounds, is working with UNSW scientists to scale up production and, potentially, produce base ingredients for high-value foods, drugs and nutraceuticals.
NewsImproving access to Asia for Northern Australia’s premium perishablesEnsuring Asian-market access to Northern Australia's premium perishable produce could be worth $5.6b p.a. in revenue to Queensland alone. So the CRC for Developing Northern Australia is keen to get it right.
NewsHow Hort Innovation is helping get kids to eat their greens – happilyAustralia's leading horticultural-industry body has launched an initiative to teach kids the connection between fresh, healthy foods and better moods.
NewsANPC and Bruker patent fast new way to detect COVID-19 infectionResearchers at Murdoch University's ANPC and Bruker have filed a patent on a fast new way to detect COVID-19 infection: testing for SARS-covid-2's biological 'fingerprint’.
NewsWhole-of-community approach to bring high-tech business to New England regionCommunity collaboration on the proposed New England Science and Innovation Regional Hub has wrapped up with a 'clear vision' to seek funding to progress the hub in 2021.
NewsMeet Pat Spicer: complex fluids and nanomaterials expertUNSW Associate Professor Pat Spicer’s broad-ranging career spans industry, academia and two continents. The constants? Complex fluids and collaboration.
NewsRipe for donation: 58-plus tonnes of trial fruit and veg nets NVPCC research team AIH awardResearchers from the National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre at Western Sydney University have netted an Award of Merit from the Australian Institute for Horticulture for donating their glasshouse-grown produce to those in need.
Media ReleaseSanitarium and UNSW breaking new ground in plant-based product segmentsThe Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has welcomed Australia’s longest-established plant-based health-food manufacturer, Sanitarium Health Food Company™, into its consortium of industry, government and research partners.
ArticleStrengthening consumer trust in beef supply chain traceability with a blockchain-based human machine reconcile mechanismThis study aimed to strengthen trust in the cross-border beef supply chain between Australia and China from a consumer perspective based on a blockchain-based supply chain implementation. Using a design science approach, this study’s initial prototype was developed to strength consumer trust. The study was conducted in partnership with Australian agricultural producers and processors, and…
NewsSanitarium and UNSW breaking new ground in plant-based product segmentsAustralia’s iconic health-food brand is working with UNSW food-technology experts to optimise the formulations and protocols for its dairy- and additive-free Barista milks so that they're creamier, foamier, silkier and 'stretchier'.
NewsNSW Agriculture Commissioner and NSW DPI seek agriculture sector feedback on future land use strategyNSW Department of Primary Industries, keen to bolster the position of agricultural producers in the state’s proposed new land-use strategy, urges all agribusiness stakeholders to contribute feedback to the Agriculture Commissioner’s land-use Options Paper by the end of February.
NewsHort Innovation set to bring high-tech horticulture to Australia’s citiesAustralia’s peak industry body for fruit and vegetable growers has teamed with Sydney-based researchers and agricultural experts to explore the potential social, environmental and economic benefits of intensive indoor urban cropping systems.
NewsUNSW Sydney academics help protect IP for Indigenous foods and medicinesTwo UNSW academics are helping ensure that Indigenous peoples and communities reap the benefits of products developed from bush foods and traditional medicines.
NewsAustralian-first innovation powering jobs at Peel Business ParkAustralia’s first solar-photovoltaic industrial microgrid is up and running at DevelopmentWA’s Peel Business Park in Nambeelup, Western Australia, with the innovative network now providing clean, green power to the site following the completion of Stage 1 works.
NewsRDA ACT surveys stakeholders to help it develop ‘a resilient, food-secure city’Canberra Region Food Collaborative and Regional Development Australia ACT are seeking input from local food-industry stakeholders to help structure sustainable, self-sufficient, supportive food systems for the nation's capital.
NewsSanitarium named Woolworths Supplier of the YearSanitarium Health Food Company, the name behind iconic Australian food products such as Weet-Bix, netted two major awards including the top gong at Woolworths’ Supplier of the Year 2020 awards in December.
OECD PublicationsOECDReference MaterialOECD PublicationsThis chapter, part of OECD publication Digital Opportunities for Better Agricultural Policies, published September 2019, details recent advances in digital technologies and analyses key drivers of digitalisation in the agriculture sector.
The Changing Landscape of Protein Production: Opportunities and challenges for Australian agricultureAgriFutures AustraliaReference MaterialThe Changing Landscape of Protein Production: Opportunities and challenges for Australian agricultureThe expanding plant-based protein industry could unlock opportunities for Australian agrifood producers, contends this February 2020 report.
Chemical Engineering Impact in AustraliaProfessor Cordelia Selomulya and Peter SlaneReference MaterialChemical Engineering Impact in AustraliaICHEME has released two volumes of case studies detailing research from around Australia that demonstrates the positive impact of chemical engineering on health, safety and sustainability.
Food, Planet, Health: Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food SystemsEAT/Lancet CommissionReference MaterialFood, Planet, Health: Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food SystemsThe 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.
National Hydrogen Roadmap: Pathways to an economically sustainable hydrogen industry in AustraliaEnergy and Futures division, CSIROReference MaterialNational Hydrogen Roadmap: Pathways to an economically sustainable hydrogen industry in AustraliaThis CSIRO publication outlines the way forward for Australia’s clean hydrogen industry, and looks at our potential to develop an economically sustainable domestic and export hydrogen industry.
Rethinking Food and Agriculture 2020-2030: The Second Domestication of Plants and Animals, the Disruption of the Cow, and the Collapse of Industrial Livestock FarmingCatherine Tubb and Tony SebaReference MaterialRethinking Food and Agriculture 2020-2030: The Second Domestication of Plants and Animals, the Disruption of the Cow, and the Collapse of Industrial Livestock FarmingThis report by independent US-based thinktank RethinkX looks at the disruption modern food-product, logistics and other technology will cause to future food products and systems.
AFGC State of the Industry Report 2019Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC)Reference MaterialAFGC State of the Industry Report 2019The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) compiled this report using ABS statistics to give a snapshot of the industry and its key drivers.
FMCG and retail value chains: The future of supply chain dataAFGC Trading Partner Forum and KPMGReference MaterialFMCG and retail value chains: The future of supply chain dataThis report from the Australian Food and Grocery Council and KPMG looks at six key issues and challenges with regard to managing data in complex retail supply chains. Compiled pre-pandemic, it's equally apt today.
Media ReleaseEcoMag seeks $1.5b opportunity in global market for high-purity Mg saltsIn a two-year, multi-stage project with the Future Food Systems CRC, specialty chemical producer EcoMag will work with UNSW Sydney chemical engineers to help it scale up operations and capture lucrative opportunities in the high-value ‘base ingredients’ space.
Capturing the Prize: The A$200 billion opportunity in 2030 for the Australian food and agribusiness sectorFood Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL)Reference MaterialCapturing the Prize: The A$200 billion opportunity in 2030 for the Australian food and agribusiness sectorThis 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.
News2020 FFS Research Showcase round-upOn 2 December 2020, the CRC hosted its first online Research Showcase, highlighting projects approved, in progress and completed under our three Research Programs (RPs) over the CRC's first full year of operation.
NewsMeet Gal Winter: microbial ecology expertFor Dr Gal Winter, lecturer and microbiologist at northern NSW’s University of New England, studying the ecology of microbe colonies - most recently, those surrounding tomato plant roots - has been a cross-continental endeavour.
News2019/2020 Annual ReportThe Future Food Systems CRC 2019/2020 Annual Report provides an overview of project achievements, financials, the CRC inception process and highlights of the first half year of operation.
NewsMeet Chris Lehnert: automation and robotics expertQUT-based robotics engineer Dr Chris Lehnert specialises in solving commercial automation challenges, developing novel solutions for an array of real-world applications. Right now, he's developing components for high-tech vertical farm modules in a CRC collaboration with Greenbio.
Media CoverageNative rice could be farmed in Katherine regionResearch on native rice found near Katherine has received $1.4 million in cash funding…
Media CoverageNative rice trials begin in the Northern TerritoryThe project led by CDU, is funded through the Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre, and has attracted commercial partners in Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours (NT), Olive Vale Pastoral Pty Ltd (QLD) and Myera Group (Canada). ABC Rural went to see the trials and spoke with senior lecturer Dr Sean Bellairs.
FFS Publication2019/20 Annual ReportThe Future Food Systems CRC 2019/2020 Annual Report provides an overview of project achievements, financials, the CRC inception process and highlights of the first half year of operation.
NewsMeet Priti Krishna: sustainable cropping expertFor Priti Krishna, Foundation Chair of Sustainable Agriculture at Western Sydney University and lead researcher on the CRC’s Blueberry nutritional optimisation project, it’s not just about growing better crops; it’s about growing crops better.
NewsPhil Thomas: Seeking the microbial edge in hydroponic tomatoesFor this IT-pro-turned-UNE-microbiology post-grad, the chance to study the root microbiome of greenhouse-grown tomatoes with Costa Group under the CRC was one too good to refuse.
NewsFoodSwitch Connect: enabling healthy food procurement for businesses and food-service providers across Sydney’s south-westWith support from Liverpool City Council, The George Institute for Global Health will extend its successful FoodSwitch platform to include food-service providers from the Liverpool area south-west of Sydney, helping event organisers make healthier food choices.
NewsMeet Dr Elaine Holmes: Microbiome-diet expertThis brilliant scientist was the first in her family to attend university. But for Elaine Holmes, world-leading metabolic scientist, WA Premier’s Research Fellow and recent recipient of a prestigious Australian Laureate ARC Fellowship, academia proved a natural fit.
Alternative proteins and the future of meatMcKinsey & CompanyReference MaterialAlternative proteins and the future of meatIn this short and pithy video, four experts from global marketing company McKinsey share their views and forecasts about the evolving meat and protein market.
Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yieldSachin G. Chavan, Chelsea Maier, Yagiz Alagoz, Joao C. Filipe, Charles R. Warren, Han Lin, Baohua Jia, Michael E. Loik, Christopher I. Cazzonelli, Zhonghua H. Chen, Oula Ghannoum, David T. TissuePaperLight‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yieldLight‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield
Case study: seasonal variations in capsicum plantsPremaratne Samaranayake, Weiguang Liang, Zhong-Hua Chen, David Tissue and Yi-Chen LanArticleCase study: seasonal variations in capsicum plantsThis 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.
NewsHelping commercial hydroponic growers combat humidity-loving pathogensHydroponic tomato grower Costa Group and scientists at UNE and WSU will explore microbial diversity in tomatoes’ root zones in a bid to find novel ways to combat disease in humid glasshouse environs.
NewsMeet Sagadevan Mundree: tropical pulses expertQueensland University of Technology Professor Sagadevan Mundree is an expert in the fields of biochemistry and cell biology, agricultural and industrial biotechnology, and tropical crops – notably pulses. He also loves to hike.
Maridulu Budyari Gumal : The SphereMerran WhiteReference MaterialMaridulu Budyari Gumal : The SphereSPHERE: Working together for good health and wellbeing
Size of the Prize: An Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & AgribusinessesFood and Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL)Reference MaterialSize of the Prize: An Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & AgribusinessesFIAL's Overview of 16 Opportunities for Australian Food & Agribusinesses
NewsIoT for indoor cropping project forges ahead after lab lockdown liftsThe ‘IoT for indoor cropping’ project under the CRC’s Research Program 2 has commenced after a months-long delay due to COVID-19-related lab closures. Now, the first trials are underway at WSU’s newly opened experimental glasshouse facility, reports project lead and UNSW Associate Professor Wen Hu. A collaboration between industry partner WBS Tech and researchers at…
NewsMeet Sami Kara: advanced manufacturing expertFor UNSW’s Professor Sami Kara, sustainable manufacturing is a key to future prosperity and a cleaner, greener planet. Scientica Education Fellow and Director of Vertically Integrated Projects in the University of New South Wales’ Faculty of Engineering, Sami isn’t one to silo himself away in an academic ‘ivory tower’. He’s spent more than half his working life…
NewsOptimising conditions for producing nutritionally potent blueberries under coverTo gain the edge in global markets, Australia needs to produce blueberries with superior quality and health benefits. This project will ascertain the production conditions needed to maximise key ‘nutraceutical’ traits in polytunnel-grown berries.
NewsCommercialising native rice for Indigenous enterprise developmentA four-year, multi-disciplinary project under the CRC’s Research Program 1 will help ‘prepare the ground’ for commercialising Australian native rice, at same time creating new opportunities for indigenous enterprise.
NewsData-mapping Western SydneyThe Western Sydney Agrifood Mapping and Analytics project will contribute to the evidence base for specialised food industry clusters in the region.
NewsAnalysing the Coffs Harbour food value chainA new CRC project involving Coffs Harbour City Council and researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) will construct a detailed overview of food production in the Coffs region of NSW and explore prospects for its growth through expanding output capacity, value-adding and the informed deployment of technology. The project’s findings will underpin the creation…
FFS PublicationNext-generation protected cropping facilitiesThis 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.
FFS PublicationNew product developmentIn 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.
ReportNext-generation protected cropping facilitiesThis 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.
ReportProtected croppingProtected 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.
ReportNew product developmentIn 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.
ReportSmart crop monitoringEmerging 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.
ReportAustralian agrifood hubsIn Australia, food and agribusiness is a strategic economic sector with strong prospects for future growth. Currently, the sector faces challenges and opportunities including soaring global food demand – and value; improved technological know-how; our reputation as premium food producer; and proximity to Asia’s booming markets. To maximise its potential, Australian agribusiness needs to sustainably boost production efficiency and add value post-farmgate. Developing agrifood industry ‘clusters’, or hubs, will help us achieve this.
FFS PublicationSmart crop monitoringPrecise phenotyping for improved quality and protected cropping management
AgFunderNewsAgFunderNewsReference MaterialAgFunderNewsAgFunderNews analyse the people, companies and technologies aiming to improve human and planetary health. Publishing daily news and multimedia content, the AgFunderNews team of award-winning journalists delivers deeper insight into the growing foodtech, agtech and climate tech industries.
NewsFuture Food System CRC’s first smart trade hubs research project kicks offBeefLedger and an interdisciplinary research team at QUT will work with food-buying groups across Australia and China to explore blockchain-based approaches to streamlining cross-border trade, in the initial proof-of-concept stage of a multi-stage Future Food Systems project that will develop the soft and hard digital infrastructure needed to support the growth of smart trade.
NewsUNSW Professor Sami Kara: agrifood supply chains and the ‘bullwhip effect’Inefficiencies in supply chains are exacerbated by disruptions to demand, such as the recent panic buying at supermarkets worldwide following COVID-19-related shutdown announcements. UNSW’s Professor Sami Kara explains how the ‘bullwhip effect’ typically resulting from sudden changes in demand impacts siloed agrifood supply chains – and how taking a systems approach to streamlining supply chains…
NewsMaridulu Budyari Gumal: bridging the health-care gap for indigenous AustraliansMaridulu Budyari Gumal, otherwise known as the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise, or SPHERE, draws its ranks from 14 thought-leading organisations across the Sydney basin – universities, hospitals, research institutes, community and primary care centres. It utilises their combined resources, including 50,000-odd staff, 100,000-plus students and more than $5 billion in annual…
NewsSafety, streamlining and scaling up: Sprout Stack pivots to a new normalIt’s business not-quite-as-usual under COVID-19 restrictions, but Sydney-based start-up Sprout Stack is adapting to the new normal with increased hygiene and safety protocols and forward-looking ‘remote’ research.
NewsPutting pulse-rich products on the tableInnovative Brisbane-based company Austgrains is working with pulse-crop experts at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and food scientists from universities across Australia to develop tasty pulse-based products with proven nutritional and prebiotic credentials. It is hoped the research will benefit consumers’ health as well as producers’ bottom lines. With demand growing in the west for…
NewsGreenbio Group: developing high-tech growing systems for high-value functional foods and medicinal productsAs an agri-biotech company, Greenbio Group looks forward to working with automation experts in the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision at Queensland University of Technology to develop high-tech automated facilities in which to grow food and medicinal plants for use in high-value functional foods as well as clinically validated nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Greenbio’s stated goal is to contribute to…
NewsGeneral Meeting 2019The first General Meeting of the Future Food Systems CRC was held on Monday 16 December. Members of the CRC entity elected the independent, skills-based Board by unanimous resolutions. The Board now comprises the Chair, Fiona Simson, Valerie Linton, Peter Schutz, Carolyn McNally, Maggie Dowling and Bob Mullins. A seventh seat on the Board remains vacant, to…
NewsThe future of farming in Western Sydney – fresh thinkingAs a food grower, you might think I’m part of a dying breed of people. Climate change, scarcity of arable land and price pressures are enough to add worry lines to the most weathered farmer’s face. And while I worry about the future, my farming journey has only just begun. I’m 25 years old. The…
NewsProvidence Asset Group: innovative energy and smart city solutions to power up CRC food precinctsCRC partner Providence Asset Group brings a wealth of expertise around smart technologies – including renewable energy for microgrids and world-first hydrogen technology for green-power storage – to the collective table, and is positioned to play a key role in powering smart, sustainable food precincts across Australia. Australian-based investment company Providence Asset Group is focused…
NewsBeefLedger: Technology for secure, streamlined, transparent transactionsNew CRC partner BeefLedger, with its expertise in blockchain technology and hands-on experience in the Chinese market, will be a boon to participants looking to export premium high-value food products. And that doesn’t just mean beef. Driven by a belief that consumers and all supply-chain participants can benefit from greater transparency and streamlined transactions, research-driven…
NewsMeet Cordelia Selomulya: dairy formulations expert and FFS Research & Commercialisation DirectorCordelia Selomulya is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at UNSW Sydney and has taken up a lead role in the Future Food Systems CRC (FFS) as its Director of Research & Commercialisation. She brings extensive experience working with industry partners, including Bega, Saputo Dairy Australia and Fonterra in Australia, and Mengniu Dairy and COFCO in…
NewsSmart regional specialisation: building a Western Sydney food planOn Friday 18 October, Liverpool City Council hosted a meeting of interested stakeholders to discuss Future Food Systems CRC research priorities for the proposed food and agribusiness hub in Western Sydney. Held at the site of the new Western Sydney Airport, the meeting was attended by a broad range of stakeholders, including major local landholders…
NewsFood Hubs, Logistics and Trade ForumA Food Hubs, Logistics and Trade Forum was held on June 28 in Liverpool, the centre of the CRC’s Western Sydney future food hub. The event brought together CRC industry, government and research participants from across Australia. Participants explored how their R&D priorities and project ideas could be augmented through collaboration and joint investment, with…
NewsNew Australian research centre will transform human health worldwideThe establishment of the Australian National Phenome Centre (ANPC) at Murdoch University, a key research partner of the Future Food Systems CRC, will advance our understanding of the human phenome, underpinning more sophisticated personalised medicine and paving the way for the development of an array of high-value ‘precision nutrition’ food products and nutraceuticals. The new…
NewsLiverpool City Council turns its smarts to agribusinessLiverpool City Council has won a Committee for Sydney Smart Cities Award for the third year in a row. Council was awarded Best Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for its work in agribusiness across three tiers of government, researchers, businesses and farmers. Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said agriculture and food production were vital to the future of the…
Media CoverageAdelaide puts food, not developments at the top of the city-fringe menuHenry Liu is one person investing heavily in South Australia’s food future. Mr Liu had one of the first greenhouses in Virginia north of Adelaide 18 years ago. Now he has eight hectares of hydroponic vegetables growing in state-of-the-art, climate-controlled glasshouses. That number will rise to 12 hectares when his new glasshouse starts production early…
