Agricultural food and environment
Our research is focused on developing innovative solutions to support local and national agricultural production in a resource-limited world. We have combined our resources, expertise and skills with government bodies, industry groups, commercial operations and other universities — nationally and internationally — to develop sustainable solutions to maintain and increase agriculture production.
La Trobe University is at the forefront of science aimed at increasing quality in food production; from growing crops through to food security and biosecurity. We are a leader in pre-farmgate research, agricultural production research and sustainable food solutions, with world-class research in the areas of:
- Agricultural production
- Medicinal agriculture
- Environmental management
- Sustainable agriculture
- Food security and biosecurity
- Food and nutrition
Hear about some of the projects our researchers have been working on;
Phosphate research: this is what we're working on
Wearables for Animals
Free the Frog (... of Pesticides)
Can a reduction in the use of phosphate in farming alleviate world hunger?
The science of coffee
Genetic improvements in dairy cattle
Fast facts
- leader in pre-farmgate research, agricultural production research and sustainable food solutions
- working with industry to find efficiencies across the production process and to test and commercialise innovative technology and products
- improving underperforming soils that cost Australian farmers billions of dollars a year in lost productivity
- producing seeds that are fit for purpose for health, food and manufacturing
- finding the best quality and functionality aspects of fibre to reduce the reliance on processed food
Specialised facilities
- Laboratory space containing cutting-edge equipment for agricultural biosciences
- Controlled atmosphere/environment rooms for agri-food research
- Glasshouses for field cropping and experimental plots
- Animal housing and handling facilities for animal research
- Research equipment and facilities
- Research platforms
Research Centres
- ARC Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture
- La Trobe Institute of Agriculture and Food
- Centre for Freshwater Ecosystems
- Centre for Future Landscapes
- Centre for Livestock Interactions with Pathogens
- Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecosystems
Major Partners
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
- BioPlatforms Australia
- Cann Group
- Global Table
- National Landcare Program
- Pepsico
- Photon Systems Instruments
- Vernx Biotechnology
Relevant assets in Melbourne's North
- RMIT Bundoora
- Epping Food Hub including the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit & Vegetable Market