Food Industry Innovation marching forward in 2017
Welcome to the third Food Industry Innovation (FII) project newsletter, made possible by Royalties for Regions investment.
In this edition, we share global food and beverage commentator Professor David Hughes’ thought-provoking insights on the changing face of our food future. The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia's (DAFWA) FII project was delighted to host the dynamic, London-based professor in Manjimup and Mandurah to full audiences earlier this month. Our thanks to Peel Development Commission for their partnership in hosting the breakfast seminar at Mandurah Quay Resort.
Also in this newsletter, WA producer Jennie Franceschi from Fresh Produce Alliance shares the motivation behind starting her business, plus the opportunities and barriers she has faced since expanding into Asian and Middle Eastern export markets. Her mission to minimise waste, find new export markets and support farming families is an inspiring read.
We also introduce you to FII team member, Specialised Food Centre manager Nikki Poulish. Nikki’s passion for agriculture and networks in the Great Southern region make her a valued member of the project team.
Stakeholder engagement, agribusiness collaboration and knowledge sharing have been key activities for the project team in these first few months of the year, as reflected in the Western Australian Premium Food Centre update.
The Premium Agrifood Market Opportunity (PMO) report commissioned by the FII project, was recently completed by market research consultancy Coriolis. Its findings will soon be made available to the public.
The FII project will host a free five-day Plan, Prepare, Prosper food workshop in Albany in May. This program is designed to strengthen and sustain agrifood businesses through completion of a strategic business plan, improve business skills to manage and thrive in the future, and provide an understanding of how other producers are managing their challenges. For more information or to register, phone Kaylene Parker on +61 (0)8 9892 8444, +61 (0)413 856 515 or email: foodindustryinnovation@agric.wa.gov.au
We hope you enjoy this edition and if you have any feedback on the newsletter, we’d love to hear from you at foodindustryinnovation@agric.wa.gov.au