Fran McLaughlin has had a diverse work history spanning 30 years across agriculture, accounting, business consulting and international logistics, working in three different states in both urban and rural locations. Fran is passionate about sustainable Australian agriculture and in these exciting and challenging times she has found herself drawn to return to the industry after 10 years in other industries, to be a part of the agtech evolution.
Her concept ‘Feed the Bush’ utilises science in the form of indoor, vertical farming systems to produce fresh and sustainable food for both human and livestock consumption in rural and remote areas, while minimising resources used.
The systems use up to 95% less water, no chemicals, no pesticides and renewable energy. Her project targets indigenous food security and access issues in remote areas, it will empower local communities to grow their own food, educate them in nutrition, healthy diets and wellbeing, as well as employing people including those with special needs.
Fran believes everyone is entitled to fresh produce no matter where they live, and hopes to change the mindset of the supply chain distribution network, reduce travel miles and supply quality, fresh produce in order to reach Net Zero 2030.