Sustainable food and agriculture

The production of high-quality crops, foods and plant-based medicines is critical for food security, health and wellbeing, and the environment.

La Trobe researchers develop cutting edge methods to improve capability and capacity, to secure a sustainable agricultural and food production future. Our researchers do this by working in partnership with primary producers, the food industry and government.

Enhance crop yield and quality

Our researchers produce plants and soils with characteristics which increase crop yield, along with resilience, quality, productivity and profitability.

Create plant-based medicines

Our researchers use medicinal plants and biotechnology to develop safe and sustainable natural product therapeutics. 

Develop innovative farming practices

Our researchers are evolving sustainable agricultural practices to increase viability and biodiversity, and to enhance agribusinesses and regional communities, while maintaining soil health and ecosystems.

New tech tackles plastic farm waste

New tech gets plastic farm waste into the circular economy

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Hi-tech glasshouse to boost global food security

A multi-million dollar state-of-the-art glasshouse will help Australia’s farmers understand how to produce crops more sustainably and at a lower cost, providing greater global food security.

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Discovery: ferns produce crop-saving insecticide

Structure solved of a novel insecticidal protein effective in protecting major crop plants from pests.

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No appetite for vegetarian diet to help the planet

Social media users believe reducing and eliminating meat intake is ineffective in addressing climate change.

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Natural Capital unlocks key to performance

La Trobe University researchers and partners have developed a tool that enables farmers and industry to unlock the value of natural capital and use it to their advantage.

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La Trobe announces new Sustainable Agriculture and Food Institute

Government ministers and key agricultural science stakeholders were briefed today (8 August) at Parliament House, on La Trobe University’s newly announced Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF).

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Our research and its impact