
Protecting Australia’s food security
Climate disruption is changing life in Australia. From devastating bushfires to catastrophic flooding events and disappearing species - environmental and food supply challenges continue to mount.
In remote Australia, fresh food is often out of reach, especially for Indigenous communities. In very remote areas, almost one in two First Nations households go hungry after running out of food (NIAA 2024). Transport is costly and unreliable; extreme weather makes it worse.
Food for Remote Communities
La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF) can deliver an ingenious local solution that is compact and renewable-driven. Protected cropping uses climate-controlled containers as well as recycled water and nutrients to deliver fresh food on-location.
Using less land, water, fertiliser and energy – protected cropping enables more reliable and higher-quality produce. The program is optimised to determine the most suitable foods based on community preferences, as well as determine the most resilient plant varieties.
The project will:
- Install growing systems in remote areas
- Select and grow crops that meet local needs year-round
- Train locals to run systems independently
Supporting self-sufficiency
Bringing together experts in agriculture, nutrition and food, biotechnology and business is unique in Australia – and much of the world. La Trobe’s researchers and specialists are well positioned for success and to work with our regional campuses, TAFE and industry networks to provide training and support.
A community-facing education package will also be provided to ensure that communities can become self-sufficient - with ongoing support available for future crop expansion and diversification.
A sustainable model for the future
This initiative will tackle food insecurity and build a model for sustainable living in remote Australia.
Our changing environment must be confronted head-on. Your investment will fund the next frontier of environmental solutions for a changing Australia.