EvokeAG. is Asia Pacific’s premier agrifood tech event, attracting the entire ecosystem, from farmers, to innovators, researchers, corporates, government and investors. This year’s theme ‘Down to Earth’ represented relevance, connection, bringing big ideas down to reality and enhancing practical on farm innovation.
What is the Australian Food Innovation Centre?
The Australian Food and Innovation Centre at La Trobe, in partnership with CSIRO, is vital for Australia’s agricultural sector research, innovation and economic growth.
The vision for the AFIC is the result of consultation with industry, research partners and students to create a dedicated facility that encapsulates the research to commercialisation value chain. Like our AgriBio centre, there are other universities that provide elements of the agri-food value chain, but we know from our competitive tender process with the CSIRO, that La Trobe is uniquely placed to deliver a dedicated centre.
With La Trobe’s existing infrastructure, our location in Melbourne’s North, our four regional campuses and our respect and connections with industry, our ability to deliver the AFIC is unique. Melbourne’s North already has a reputation for agriculture, food and agribusiness innovation. The AFIC will see this reputation go global as the outputs of the AFIC expand Australia’s agricultural export capabilities.
Why is the Australian Food Innovation Centre vital?
Australia’s agriculture sector is growing, from $70 billion in 2001-02 to $75 billion in 2020-21. The National Farmers Federation has a vision for Australian agriculture to exceed $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030. To achieve this target, there needs to be coordination between universities, industry and government. We know from successful bio-medical precincts, such as Parkville, that successful coordination occurs when co-location is achieved.
Getting Involved
Melbourne’s North already has a reputation for agriculture, food and agribusiness innovation. The AFIC will see this reputation go global as the outputs of the AFIC expand Australia’s agricultural export capabilities. If you are interested in playing a part, please email your details and enquiry through to Alison Angleton, Director - Research and Innovation Precinct via a.angleton@latrobe.edu.au
