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New Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) laboratories at the state-of-the-art Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) centre will allow AEGIC’s WA-based noodle and Asian product specialists to continue delivering value to the Australian grains industry.
AEGIC Executive General Manager Courtney Draper said SIFT was a perfect fit for AEGIC.
“As WA’s leading food innovation and technology facility, SIFT is the ideal home for our Asian products and flour quality labs in the medium term as we work towards more permanent arrangements,” she said. “Our technical experts have been hard at work moving equipment and setting up the new noodle labs at SIFT, which I’m pleased to say are already operating.”
AEGIC is transitioning its WA-based technical functions to alternative locations following the restriction of access to its headquarters at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) site at South Perth.
“Identifying alternative lab facilities has been top priority for us,” Ms Draper said. “AEGIC’s labs are the crucial link between our market insights and market education services, allowing us to identify opportunities for Australian grains, and develop solutions to benefit both the Australian grains industry and our export markets. Our noodle labs also support Grains Australia’s wheat classification framework through expertise in noodle quality assessment for all types of Asian noodles."
Source and Photo: AEGIC [L-R: Matt Watkinson, AEGIC Wheat Quality and Processing Asian Products Development Technologist; Kishor Sharma, AEGIC Wheat Quality and Processing Asian Products Application Specialist.]
The Australian Government's On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) is expanding its reach to support more farmers in adopting cutting-edge agricultural technology. Round 2 of the program is now accepting expressions of interest from ag-tech suppliers.
With an increased budget of $18 million, the OFCP aims to provide rebates of up to 50% for eligible equipment, helping farmers invest in technologies that can improve their operations. These tools can enhance soil health, monitor livestock, automate tasks, and improve safety on farms.
The program's goal is to bridge the digital divide in rural areas and enable farmers to leverage the power of data and technology to increase productivity and sustainability. By supporting ag-tech suppliers, the OFCP is fostering innovation and creating new opportunities for businesses in the agricultural sector.
Interested suppliers can submit their expressions of interest by 29 September 2024. For more information, please visit infrastructure.gov.au/ofcp or contact the Regional Tech Hub on 1300 081 029.
Source: Australian Government | Photo: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Australia, like many countries worldwide, is still grappling with the lingering effects of COVID-19, global trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and inflation. While the domestic outlook remains positive, businesses are facing increased pressure to manage their operations effectively and adapt to a challenging market environment.
In the midst of these challenges, it's crucial for businesses to take a step back and focus on optimising their operations, reducing costs, and driving sustainable profits. This Food Innovation Australia (FIAL) webinar series is designed to provide you with the tools and insights you need to achieve just that.
You'll learn how to redefine your business's purpose and mission in today's evolving landscape. Additionally, you'll learn strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing top talent to drive your business forward, as well as practical tips for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and maximising profitability.
The webinar series will take place on 17 September, 24 September and 1 October 2024, from 1pm to 1.30pm AWST.
Attend this webinar series to gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable steps to improve your business's overall performance, enhance your team's capabilities, and drive sustainable growth and profitability.
Source: FIAL | Photo: Christin Hume / Unsplash
Despite a slowdown in the first half of August, 2024-25 cumulative global seaborne wheat imports have reached 16.7 million tonnes as of 15 August – broadly in line with last year’s figures – according to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The WTO Global Trade Data Portal dashboard, developed jointly by the International Grains Council and the WTO, offers a tool for monitoring short-term trends in international wheat maritime trade flows in response to changing market conditions and enables the analysis of longer-term trends.
Being one of the most common food staples, wheat is crucial for food security in many parts of the world. While around one quarter of world wheat consumption is traded, the share is much higher for some developing net importing countries, which highlights the importance of well-functioning international trade channels for their food systems. With maritime routes representing the main or the only means to import or export grains for most countries, this underscores the relevance of the monitoring and analysis of up-to-date shipping data, which can also provide insights into trade logistics.
Source and Graphic: WTO
Emerging economies have been the driving force behind global agricultural market growth in recent decades, and this trend is expected to continue. However, regional shifts are anticipated, reflecting changing demographics and economic affluence.
A new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) highlights the increasing role of India, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. While China's share of global consumption growth is projected to decline, these regions will experience significant increases due to growing urban populations and rising incomes.
Total global agricultural and fisheries consumption is expected to grow by 1.1% annually over the next decade, with nearly all of the additional consumption occurring in low- and middle-income countries. However, calorie intake in low-income countries is projected to grow too slowly to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal target of zero hunger by 2030.
The report emphasises the importance of well-functioning agricultural markets, reduced food loss and waste, and more productive and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure global food security and rural livelihoods.
Source: OECD / FAO | Photo: OECD
Further information
Agribusiness, commercial fishing and aquaculture news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions or information to share, please email export@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2024.
