Agriculture's goal to reach $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030 has been given a boost, according to the National Farmers' Federation, with the Government giving the green light to a Future Foods Cooperative Research Centre.
NFF President Fiona Simson, and Chair of the consortium that developed the case for the CRC, says the benefits would be wide ranging.
"The CRC will respond to the growing trend for a move away from commodity food production to niche, nutrient-focused products," she said. "Through the development of new technologies, products and services, the objective is to position Australia as the leader in the provision of fresh nutritious, safe and sustainable food products."
It is estimated the value of verified, premium fine foods and healthy convenience meals alone is set to increase from $2.7 trillion today to $3.6 trillion in 2025.
‘Free from’ foods such as organic produce and foods for allergy suffers is estimated to be worth $3.4 trillion. The Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews announced $35 million over 10 years for the CRC with an extra $149.6 million in kind to be provided by partners.
"Western Sydney will be home to one of the CRC’s six regional food Hubs to be established across Australia including in Darwin, the Peel Region of Western Australia, Coffs Harbour and Armidale NSW and Mildura in Victoria," Ms Simson said. "The Regional Food Hubs directly complement the NFF’s 2030 Roadmap objective to create regional centres of production excellence. The Hubs will provide new specialised career pathways in the six determined locations and the resulting social and economic benefits that new industries and employment opportunities bring."
The CRC will assist in the graduation of 60 PhD candidates over its 10 year life span. The bid for the CRC was led by NSW Farmers, complementing the peak body’s successful advocacy for a Fresh Food Precinct at the new Western Sydney Airport.
"The CRC will also assist to further NFF’s 2030 Roadmap goal of enhancing customers understanding of the provenance and positive health and sustainability attributes of Australian food products," Ms Simson said. "We have been pleased to support NSW Farmers in bringing this national project to fruition, in a demonstration of the great things that can be achieved when Australian agriculture works together for a common goal."
Ms Simson also congratulated the CRC’s 56 committed partners for bringing the concept to a reality.
"The Centre has the support of organisations from across the spectrum including agricultural representative bodies, local government, large corporations such as Telstra, federal government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the governments of key trading partners, China and Singapore," she said. "Together, we will achieve great outcomes for Australian farmers, our regions, the research and development community and Australia’s prosperity as a whole."
Source: National Farmers' Federation