Provenance Storytelling for Success
Provenance Storytelling for Success Now, more than ever, consumers are demanding to know more about where and how their food and fibre is produced. Building provenance and storytelling can play a critical role in sustaining, increasing or expanding market share for Australian products. It is no longer just relevant for niche or boutique product...
Podcast
From paddock and sea, to plate. How can food producers tell their story?
We have launched a new resource which will help food producers tell their story right along the food chain up to and including the end consumer.
Review of PRJ-010702 – ManukaLife Project
Report
Horizon scan for new market opportunities in emerging industries
Emerging industries exert an important influence within the Australian agricultural domain, contributing to the national economy while also facilitating the adaptation to evolving global demand. This horizon scan examines and documents the broad trends affecting emerging industries, both globally and domestically, such as production and key competitor analysis.
Several trends are pertinent to Australia’s emerging agricultural industries. These include environmental developments, such as adaptation to climate change; consumer preferences, such as an increasing focus on health, transparency and ethics; rapid technological developments in agriculture; trends in gluten-free products and plant-based proteins; and changes in macroeconomic policy.
Three types of new and emerging product strategies were identified, each with different underlying factors for success. They are: (1) new products that are direct substitutes; (2) new products to satisfy existing needs; and (3) new products to satisfy new needs.
Further, an overview and discussion is provided of the prospects for eight targeted emerging industries: the broad category of Australian native foods, industrial hemp, insects, native bees, pomegranate, seaweed, sesame and truffles. The identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for each industry are the basis for forecasting over the next 10 years.
Improving Farm Water Use Efficiency – Digital technology implementation and training to improve overall on-farm productivity and improve farm water-use efficiencies.
T2M Develop an attractant specific to A cerana Java strain
Laura Carniel
Hello, my name is Laura Carniel, and I am a third year Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) student, majoring in Biomedical Science at the University of Queensland. My experience of Australian agriculture is through the lens of growing up on a horticultural farm in the Lockyer Valley, Queensland. I spent my childhood surrounded by a...
Evaluating drop tube and sprinkler irrigation for white clover seed production
Australian Propolis Project
To date, research on propolis produced from Australian flora has demonstrated a clear potential for high antioxidant and diverse phenolic attributes. However, there is still a lack of understanding about the benefits Australian propolis may possess, the ability to commercially produce and process it, and its unique selling proposition to both domestic and international markets.
This project, run in conjunction with the University of the Sunshine Coast’s (USC) Honey Lab, is expanding on existing Australian propolis research and facilitating the start of commercial production and processing trials. The desired outcome is quantification of the beneficial compounds of Australian propolis and progression of a commercial trial to the point where the foundations of an economically viable, world-leading propolis industry are in place.
In the first quarter of 2021, 20 Australian propolis were analysed for recovered yield, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Six out of 20 samples (30%) had a yield above 23.6%, which is the average yield of nearly 200 propolis samples in our database. Eight out of 20 samples (40%) contained total phenolic content above 75 mg gallic acid equivalents/g propolis extract, which is considered as a relatively high to high phenolic level. Eleven out of 20 samples (55%) showed antioxidant activity, with IC50 values ranging from 14 to 84.1 μg/mL.
During the reporting period, we also met a key project milestone, with 10 kg of raw Australian propolis processed. The finished goods are to be investigated by USC to ensure quality and potency. The next step will be for 50 kg to be processed and the same quality tests executed. The results of these tests will enable the industry to qualify the economics and establish recommended commercial pricing for Australian beekeepers, thus providing proof of concept for commercial production of Australian propolis for use in retail products.
Conversation starter: Transformation and change
Thirty-seven Horizon scholars gathered at Lake Hume Resort for the annual Horizon Scholarship workshop in July this year. The students ranged from first to final year in their university studies, all of whom are studying agriculture-related degrees. They came from as far afield as Perth, Sunday Creek Station (300km south of Katherine) and Takone in...
Industry Development Grant – Aidan Whitby
News story
Nine research projects that will supercharge Australia’s ginger industry
The AgriFutures Ginger Program invests in research, development and extension (RD&E) that aims to support a sustainable, growing and prosperous industry. The Program has nine research projects currently underway.
News story
Australian Colony Loss Survey – why you should have your say
With just two weeks to go until the 2024 Australian Colony Loss survey closes, time is running out for beekeepers to let their industry know what the biggest issues facing them are. The data being collected are vital for industry and government to manage the many challenges faced by beekeepers.
Fact sheet
Fact sheet: Identifying new revenue opportunities for the pasture seed industry
The primary objective of the
Identifying revenue opportunities for AgriFutures Australia’s rural industries project was to identify potential new and alternate revenue sources within 28 of AgriFutures Australia’s levied and emerging industries, and for Australian agriculture generally. Through a combination of stakeholder consultations and literature reviews, additional, new and alternate revenue sources were identified. These revenue sources range from completely new and novel opportunities to those previously explored but that could benefit from further investment. Similarly, what may be ‘old’ in one industry may well be new and untried in others.
New revenue opportunities may contribute to industry profitability and sustainability in four ways. Firstly, they provide diversification, reducing reliance on existing sources of income and thereby enhancing resilience against economic fluctuations and environmental uncertainties, such as drought or market downturn. Secondly, they can promote sustainable practices and innovation, encouraging industries to adopt environmentally friendly and technologically advanced approaches, which in turn supports long-term viability. Thirdly, they can foster economic growth and job creation in rural areas, helping to counter urbanisation trends and maintain vibrant rural communities. Finally, they can strengthen Australia’s position in the global market by tapping into emerging trends and consumer demands, ensuring the continued competitiveness of its rural industries on a global scale.
Industry-specific challenges
Specific insights relating to the Australian pasture seed industry include:
1. Violation of plant breeder’s rights (PBRs) due to unauthorised ‘over-the-fence’ sales of seed. Seed companies have invested significantly in breeding new pasture seed varieties and obtained protection under the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act. Slow adoption of new varieties by growers could allow for unauthorised over-the-fence sales, negating the benefit of investment in PBRs.
2. Yield variability affecting pasture seed production. Recent wet seasons have impacted pollination, yield and quality, and in some cases caused weather damage at harvest. Industry knowledge and experience is valuable and variable, with grower expertise significantly impacting consistent and sustained product supply through varying climatic conditions.
Industry-specific opportunities
Specific opportunities relating to the Australian pasture seed industry include:
1. Developing new varieties through breeding for increased resistance to weeds, pests and diseases, improved nitrogen fixation, increased yield, and improved nutritional value. There should also be emphasis on investment to give Australian producers a competitive edge in the global pasture seed industry.
2. Adopting new and improved technology solutions, including industrial drones, probes and other precision agricultural techniques, to make planting, fertilisation, pest detection and harvesting more efficient, and to improve soil conditions. Harnessing digital platforms and online marketplaces can boost accessibility and visibility for seed buyers, stimulating trade and fostering overall industry growth.
Development of the Kakadu Plum Industry in Northern Australia
Improving the Impact from Current and Future Genetic and Genomic Investments
Resilient agricultural supply chains key to business as usual no matter the disruption
There are clear lessons to be learned for Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector about how supply chains that cross multiple borders are vulnerable to a host of intersecting economic, social and environmental risks associated with Australia’s participation in global systems, markets and supply chains.
Where are all the quandongs
A fresh research direction for Australia’s certified temperate pasture seed growers
AgriFutures Australia has unveiled a new five-year research, development and extension plan (RD&E) for the certified temperate pasture seeds industry. Boosting harvesting efficiency, improving water productivity, and supporting effective disease, weeds and pest management have been flagged as top research priorities for the $50 million industry.
ARLF Australian Agribusiness Leadership Program
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) Australian Agribusiness Leadership Program AgriFutures Australia is committed to supporting the people who are driving, and will drive, the future prosperity of Australian rural industries and communities. We do this by investing in leadership, capacity and skills development programs for our stakeholders. The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is...
