Darwin Food Futures Conference hears NT food processing hub plan

A Charles Darwin University (CDU) research group has shared what would be needed to create a food manufacturing hub in Darwin during this week’s Food Futures Conference

Northern Australia Food Technology Innovation (NAFTI) project manager Dr Warren Hunt and University of Tasmania Professor Roger Stanley presented the findings from a 15-months research program to the three-day conference in Darwin, with Hunt describing it as “big-picture thinking” from his team.

“Here in Northern Australia food processing is limited to small niche businesses with most of Australia’s food processing located in Southern Australia,” said Hunt (pictured), according to a statement from CDU on Thursday.

“Through this project we have been able to understand the complexities and volumes in Northern Australia’s supply chain.”

“This initiative is aimed squarely at regional value-capture of sub-premium or out-of-specification produce that otherwise would be lost to the food chain.”

“However, there is also strategic angle, as our food supply chains in the north are 3000 to 4000km long and highly vulnerable to interruptions. Regional food stabilisation capabilities to support northern population centres must be given more attention by governments as a matter of urgency.”

“We are now in a position to narrow down the best options in terms of food science and technology that could go into a pilot facility.”

So far the work has highlighted different types of shelf-stable foods with the most manufacturing potential for the territory, and its next stage includes furthering ideas on development of a small-scale food-grade facility with several processing lines and the ability to manage multiple feedstocks including red meat, horticulture, and seafood products.

The conference at the Darwin Convention Centre finishes today.

Picture: supplied