NSW Farmers is leading a national consortium of research, industry, government and community bodies to establish a Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) for Future Food Systems.
Australia’s proximity to Asia, our free trade agreements, and strong reputation for food safety and quality presents exceptional growth opportunities.
Global demand for fresh, health and customised food segments is projected to reach $8 trillion per annum by 2025, with the majority of new demand arising in Asia.
The Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre aims to provide new technology and skills needed to claim a share of these markets.
In collaboration with industry and government in regional centres around Australia, the CRC research team will fill technology gaps and support development of collaborative supply systems, farms, food factories, freight forwarders and service providers linked by smart logistics and infrastructure.
Research themes include:
– Smart food logistics and inland ports: Supporting region communities and regional airports in designing hub and spoke solutions for rapid freight of perishable, premium goods.
- Transitioning to higher value markets: Working with farmers, food processors and regulators to: a) identify crops and products that will achieve the highest margin; b) develop customised production, value adding and provenance protection technology; and c) remove friction from trade and compliance processes.
- Controlled environment production: Innovation in protected cropping technology to increase supply scale for premium fresh foods and inputs to processed goods, such as healthy convenience meals, personalized foods and biopharmaceuticals.
– David Eyre, general manager, research and innovation, NSW Farmers