La Trobe University’s Mildura Campus recently hosted the ‘Cultivating Change: Sustainable Agriculture & Food’ Research and Innovation Roundtable. Led by Professor Chris Pakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research & Innovation), the event brought together local industry leaders, La Trobe researchers, and community stakeholders to explore opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
With Mildura’s agricultural production valued at $1.13 billion in 2020/21 - rising to $1.5 billion when combined with the nearby Wentworth region - the roundtable was a step toward ensuring the region’s continued growth and sustainability.
A Platform for Connection and Collaboration
The roundtable, co-chaired by Sandy Connor, Head of Campus, aimed to foster connections, identify challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration between industry and researchers. Leonie Burrows, Chair of the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre’s Strategic Advisory Panel, set the tone for the discussions by providing an industry perspective on the region’s unique opportunities and challenges.
The Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, a partnership between La Trobe University, the University of Melbourne, and SuniTAFE, played a key role in the event. This partnership exemplifies the region’s commitment to leveraging local expertise and collaboration to drive innovation and address pressing agricultural challenges.
Key Themes and Opportunities
Attendees ready to share their insights included representatives from local organisations, including Murray Valley Winegrowers, Southern Cross Farms, Lower Murray Water, Australian Table Grape Association, Dried Fruits Australia, Spark Renewables, Mallee Sustainable Farming, Australian Almonds, Seaway, Hort Innovation, and Analytical Laboratories and Technical Services Australia (ALTSA).
Together, participants identified several key themes and opportunities that could be explored through targeted research, development, and innovation:
- Empowering behavioural transformation in agricultural communities to strengthen collaborations, address shared challenges, foster innovation, and deliver tangible benefits for local communities
- Unlocking the power of data by improving access to reliable and consistent sources and building capacity to interpret and apply this information effectively for smarter agricultural/horticulture decision-making
- Enhancing workforce sustainability by evaluating strategies that improve the access, retention, and efficiency of migrant labour, including innovative models such as leveraging the existing regional skills passport
- Driving technological advancement via robotics, AI, and automation to boost productivity and reduce environmental pressures
- Adapting to environmental realities by supporting strategies that mitigate climate risks and promote ecological sustainability
- Innovating with biological inputs, including the development and validation of biofertilisers and supplements
- Investing in local capability through place-based education, micro-credentials/short courses and clear pathways for regional students into agricultural careers.
A Region Poised for Growth
Mildura’s agricultural sector is not only a cornerstone of the local economy but also a critical contributor to Australia’s food production. The roundtable highlighted the region’s immense success to date, and the potential for further growth and innovation, supported by its strong partnerships and world-class research capabilities.
La Trobe University’s leadership in sustainable agriculture, through initiatives like the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF) and the AgriBio Centre, underscores its commitment to addressing global food challenges while delivering real-world impact for local communities.
Looking Ahead
The insights gained from the roundtable will inform future initiatives, ensuring that the Mildura region remains a leading hub for sustainable agricultural innovation.
As Professor Chris Pakes noted, “This roundtable is just the beginning. By working together, we can cultivate change that not only benefits our region but also sets a benchmark for sustainable agriculture across Australia.”
For more information on La Trobe University’s initiatives in sustainable agriculture or to explore partnership opportunities, visit La Trobe Industry or email industry.engagement@latrobe.edu.au
