Media releases

What role do food systems play in regional development? This question will be explored in the Trans-Tasman Frontiers in Agrifood Innovation Seminar on Thursday, 8 October.

The Federation Business School event will explore recent research and initiatives within the Australian and New Zealand agrifood systems that aim to boost regional development.

Food & Fibre Gippsland CEO and Governor-in-Council appointee to the Federation University Council, Nicola Pero, will be among the speakers at the event.

Ms Pero will discuss the role of ‘quadruple helix engagement’ in regional development, which brings together industry, research and education, government and the community, for improved innovation, collaboration, engagement and business opportunities.

She will also expand on the European Union-based ‘Smart Specialisation’ program in Gippsland’s agrifood sector that Food & Fibre Gippsland partners with the Latrobe Valley Authority, and its contribution to development in the region.

One of the program initiatives focuses on a craft malting operation involving a range of regional stakeholders including a brewery and grain growers, while another will focus on a hi-tech vegetable waste processing facility.

Other speakers will include Plant and Food New Zealand Senior Scientist Dr Denise Conroy, Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation Principal Research Fellow Associate Professor Peter Dahlhaus and Federation University Australia School of Science, Psychology and Sport Associate Dean Research, Associate Professor David Piedrafita.

The four guest speakers, to be introduced by Federation Business School Dean, Professor Christina Lee, will be followed by a panel discussion and audience questions.

The event aims to provide academics, public servants and industry representatives with an interest in the Australian and New Zealand agriculture and food sectors, knowledge about cutting-edge developments in the agrifood sector.

The online seminar will take place between 2 and 3.30pm. Register via the link: https://events.federation.edu.au/event/sessions?id=Research_Seminar_Trans-Tasman_Frontiers_in_Agrifood_Innovation2559324847

Quote attributable to Food and Fibre Gippsland CEO and Federation University Council Governor-in-council appointee Nicola Pero

“It is crucial that in the agrifood sector we can find opportunities for better collaboration and engagement, in order to achieve the best outcomes for regional competitive advantage.

“By working together, we gain opportunities for innovation, collaboration, cross sector engagement, business growth and development, and importantly evidence-based data to support analysis, feasibility and investment logic.”

Quote attributable to Federation Business School Lecturer Dr Ben Wills

“The combined agriculture and food (agrifood) sector plays an important role in the ongoing development of our regions. Through this seminar, we are bringing together those who would like to learn more about the sector and the innovative research being undertaken by Federation and our partners, to improve outcomes for both food producers and consumers, as well as for the environment.”