CSIRO released its Reshaping Australian Food Systems report, which stresses the need for a comprehensive and systematic change in how Australia approaches its food production and consumption. The report states Australia is well positioned to take on a leadership role in global protein through the growth and expansion of lower emission protein products and markets, including plant-based meats, precision fermentation and cell-cultivation.
The report identifies five key focal areas of opportunities for Australia to create a more sustainable, productive and resilient food system in the face of the significant challenges posed by climate change, increasing demand, supply chain and workforce disruptions, rising input costs, and nutrition-related public health concerns. The focal areas include: enabling equitable access to healthy and sustainable diets, minimising waste and improving circularity, facilitating Australia’s transition to net zero emissions, aligning resilience with socioeconomic and environmental sustainability, and increasing value and productivity.
CSIRO particularly emphasises alternative proteins’ contribution and future potential to reducing agrifood sector emissions while also bolstering its long-term economic outlook by diversifying Australia’s food production and exports.
Food Frontier’s Head of Government Relations and Policy Megan Redmond says, “As a contributing stakeholder, Food Frontier is highly encouraged by CSIRO’s report and its recognition of the crucial role that alternative proteins currently play and can continue to play alongside traditional protein industries in reshaping Australia’s food systems.
“Among the 27 opportunities outlined by CSIRO, alternative proteins and the growth of a world-leading domestic sector can contribute significantly to at least 15 of them, including strengthening Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities and workforce.”