Summary

A Strategic RD&E Plan for quinoa will be developed. Through detailed stakeholder national interviews at all levels of the industry, we will assess the current status of quinoa as an up-and-coming emerging industry crop. We will review relevant past, recent and existing R&D on quinoa as a crop and food, and its support in government and private (commercial) sectors in Australia. We will also review the commercial status of quinoa domestically and internationally and identify overseas data relevant to the Australian quinoa industry. A detailed analysis of the existing market situation in Australia will be undertaken, and we will define new markets in a range of sectors that should facilitate the expansion of commercial opportunities for Australian growers, processors, food and feed-related businesses. The process will use structured interviews, surveys and workshops to target individuals, businesses and organisations (industry groups, grower groups and researchers).
Key barriers to the expansion of quinoa as a crop and to market expansions will be identified and characterised. The information will be collated to inform decisions around investments by private industry, Agrifutures Australia and research organisations in quinoa, taking into account the expected economic, social and environmental outcomes flowing from the existing quinoa industry, and how it can be expanded in the future. Potential applications of R&D in both domestic production and for end-users will be considered. There are increasing opportunities for export growth and these will be assessed as a pathway to maximising economic benefits for the industry. We will provide a detailed set of recommendations as a major project output that will highlight pathways to increase the profitability and growth of the quinoa industry in Australia.

Program

New and Emerging Industries

Research Organisation

Murdoch University