Greetings all,
From coast to coast and everywhere in between, Australia’s agrifood sector is buzzing with exciting initiatives. Here’s a quick update at what’s been happening around the grounds at Future Food Systems (FFS):
SIFT and boosting food manufacturing in WA
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of heading west with my FFS colleagues to see the remarkable progress of the Sustainable Innovative Food Technology (SIFT) Facility. While there, I had the pleasure of interviewing SIFT tenants Sonia Garcia Ayala of Bravo Gazpacho and Loic Munso of Everboost for an upcoming video case study.
Launched in February 2024, SIFT—a collaboration between the WA Government, FFS and Murdoch University—empowers local businesses like Bravo Gazpacho and Everboost to thrive. With cutting-edge manufacturing equipment and expert guidance, these businesses are scaling up to meet growing demand. Bravo Gazpacho, for example, has grown from local markets to supermarket shelves, with a boost from the Mid West Food Industries Alliance.
This progress is a testament to the power of clusters and collaboration, turning ideas into tangible results for WA’s food manufacturing sector.
Coffs Agrifood Living Lab update
Over in Coffs Harbour, the Coffs Agrifood Living Lab (CALL) is making great strides. Recent workshops, held in partnership with the City of Coffs Harbour and QUT, focused on ‘Enhancing Coffs’ Agrifood Identity’.
The first session brought together a select group of stakeholders to identify opportunities for showcasing the region’s exceptional agrifood products. In the second session, CALL members took those insights further, brainstorming ways to create a brand that highlights the provenance, quality, and passion of the Coffs region.
Thank you to everyone who participated. If you are a stakeholder within Coffs Harbour and you would like to get involved in the next session in February, please contact CALL@QUT.com.au.
For Food’s Sake – countdown to February
The excitement is building for For Food’s Sake 2025, happening at Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour, on 27–28 February 2025.
Over two days, we’ll explore groundbreaking developments in value-adding, agritech, automation, native foods, and more. Our stellar speaker line-up includes:
- Fiona Simson, FFS Chair & World Farmers’ Organisation VP
- Dr Chris Lehnert, QUT Robotics
- Dr Ruey-Leng Loo, Australian National Phenome Centre
- Dr Lou Conway, UNE SMART Region Incubator
- Dr Flávia Fayet-Moore, FOODiQ Global
- Craig Shephard, Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre
- Nicole McNaughton, Food & Agribusiness Network
- Andrew Eves-Brown, TURBINE
- Kim Berry, Editor of Food & Drink Business and Summit MC
And don’t miss the Gala Dinner, hosted by celebrated First Nations chef Mindy Woods, who will treat us to a vibrant menu celebrating native ingredients.
Want to showcase your business at this flagship event? Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available, providing your business with a chance to promote your goods and services to an audience of industry thought leaders and decision-makers, influential government representatives, and leading researchers—reach out to luke@ffscrc.com. Tickets are available now at www.forfoodssake.com.au.
Connect – Networking Night in Sydney
Mark your calendars for December 4, when FFS will host a Networking Night at UNSW’s Roundhouse. This is your chance to reconnect with peers, make new contacts, and share 2024 highlights over food and drinks.
The evening will feature a “Shark Tank”-style segment, where PhD students will pitch how their research is solving real-world challenges in Australia’s agrifood sector. Don’t miss this exciting event—register here.
I look forward to seeing many of you at these events, celebrating our achievements, and shaping the future of food together.
All the best,
Dr James Krahe
FFS CEO
P.S. If you’re keen for your organisation to play a key role in For Food’s Sake, feel free to reach out to me directly.