Asian Foods - RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-2000 & Research in Progress as at June 2001

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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2000-2001 & Research in Progress as at June 2001
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To Asian Foods Completed Projects

2.1 Asian Foods - Research in progress
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION

Market Information and Prospects

UQ-87A

Supply chain management, strategy and industry development for the commercial bamboo industry

Dr Ray Collins

(03) 9210 9222

School of Natural and Rural Systems Management

University of Queensland

Asian Vegetable Production and Postharvest

DAQ-239A	Extending shelf-life of minimally-processed leafy Asian vegetables	Dr Tim O’Hare	(07) 54662257	Dept of Primary Industries (Qld)
UCQ-10A	Consolidating the Asian vegetable industry, building on past achievements and action for the future	Prof David Midmore	(07) 4930 9770	Central Queensland University
UCQ-13A	Development of taro, yam, yam bean and sweet potato exports to Japan and USA	Prof David Midmore	(07) 4930 9770	Central Queensland University
UT-30A	Speciality mushroom production systems: maitake and morels	Dr Caroline Mohammed	(03) 6226 2717	University of Tasmania

Asian Food Product Development

AFM-4A	Outcomes and market development strategies, processed Asian food projects	Dr Suku Bhaskaran	(03) 9248 1054	Victoria University
DAQ-270A	Industry Development for Asian Vegetables in North Queensland	K Gooding	(07) 5476 3105	C/- Queensland Department of Primary Industries

Industry Communications and Technology Transfer

DAV-176A	Pilot project on extension and communication with Asian non-english speaking background (NESB) vegetable growers for the adoption of best practices	Dr Wendy Morgan	(03) 9210 9222	Dept of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
DAV-179A	National Asian Foods Newsletter	Mr Graeme Thomson	(03) 9210 9222	Dept of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

Market Information and Prospects

Project Title	Supply chain management, strategy and industry development for the commercial bamboo industry
RIRDC Project No:	UQ-87A
Start Date:	31/03/99
Finish Date:	31/07/02
Researcher:	Dr. Ray Collins
Organisation:	The University of Queensland School of Natural and Rural Systems Management GATTON COLLEGE QLD 4345
Phone:	(07) 5460 1328
Fax:	(07) 5460 1324
Email:	rcollins@uqg.uq.edu.au
Objectives	· The goal is to achieve development of the Australian bamboo industry, using the Australian Commercial Bamboo Corporation, by devising and implementing whole-of-chain strategies that deliver value to all stakeholders in the chain that links bamboo producers with the consumers of bamboo products.
Current Progress	This project is entering its final year. In the last year a great deal of work has been done with the project’s industry management group, the Australian Commercial Bamboo Corporation, through a number of workshops, both in Brisbane, and on individual farms. The main purpose of these workshops has been to develop supply chain-building strategies. Working groups of growers have been used to investigate issues such as domestic marketing, communication strategies, quality systems and financial management. Results from other research, such as postharvest and export marketing, have also been presented at these workshops. There have been two market research trips to Japan, which was identified as the next most attractive market following the earlier work in Taiwan. A grower representative, Mr Victor Cusack, went on both these trips, and he has been very effective in communicating results to the management group. A draft of a quality management system has been prepared and is being reviewed by the research team before release to the industry management group. Domestic marketing efforts have concentrated on identifying agents who may become future supply chain partners. Visits to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane markets were made by the research scholar and an industry representative. Shortlisted agents were targeted with product in the 2000/2001 season so that their performance could be evaluated.

Asian Vegetable Production and Postharvest

Project Title Extending shelf-life of minimally-processed leafy Asian vegetables

RIRDC Project No: DAQ-239A

Start Date: 01/06/98

Finish Date: 30/09/01

Researcher: Dr Tim O’Hare

Organisation: Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Gatton Research Station
LMB7
GATTON QLD 4343

Phone: (07) 54662257

Fax: (07) 54623223

Email: OhareT@dpi.qld.gov.au

Objectives The proposal aims at enabling expansion of the domestic market and access to export markets of minimally-processed Asian leafy vegetables by extending the shelf-life of this product by: · testing plastic films recommended in DAQ-213A for use in modified atmosphere packaging;
· investigating the potential shelf-life extension by MCP-fumigation; and
· investigating the potential of differential handling systems for extending shelf life.

Current Progress Film optimisation was divided into two sections: wholesale packaging and retail packaging. The Australian fresh-cut industry has become more competitive during the life of this project, with lower prices for raw product making bulk packaging no longer economic for suppliers to processors. Consequently, further research on the development of wholesale bags has been terminated.
Effective wholesale packaging was produced (in cooperation with Landec Pty Ltd), with bacterial rots limiting storage life. Rots tended to occur at contact points between leaves and plastic where condensate formed. Although rots were diminished through the use of sanitation washes, it is thought that rots could be further reduced by introducing a buffer between the film and the leaves, such as cardboard, to take up excess water.
Retail packaging is still a priority for the industry. We have begun development of a high clarity MAP bag with Andrew Kohn Pty Ltd to replace current retail packaging being used by a major minimal-processor of Asian leafy vegetables. The bag would replace more expensive (and less effective) micro-perforated packaging currently imported. A package film to suit our requirements for Asian vegetables (as well as lettuce) has been identified and is being tested.

Project Title Consolidating the Asian vegetable industry, building on past achievements and action for the future

RIRDC Project No.: UCQ-10A

Start Date: 01/01/98

Finish Date: 31/05/01

Researcher: Prof. David Midmore

Organisation: Central Queensland University
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702

Phone: (07) 4930 9770

Fax: (07) 4930 9255

Email: d.midmore@cqu.edu.au

Objectives · To establish a country-wide production strategy, based upon cost benefit analyses and regional complementarity, for the supply of export markets with Chinese cabbage, Chinese broccoli, flowernig cabbage, daikon, burdock, vegetable soybean, kabocha, bok choi, chives and other leafy vegetables with viable economic returns.
· General co-ordination will also be undertaken for other commodities with year-round production potential and already funded by RIRDC, eg. bamboo shoots, Chinese waterchestnuts and lotus.
· To develop field and post harvest management practices for these commodities that lead to produce demanded by domestic and export markets (accessed from sustainable production systems).
· To co-ordinate the co-operative effort amongst researchers, producers and market specialists to maximise the exprot opportunities into Asia for these and later, other commodities.
· It is envisaged that an add-to (ie. loose-leaf) book will be developed through the life of the project, starting off with literature reviews and, that details all production (ie. varietal, climatic, ecternal input, cultural) and post harvest (ie. temperature, RH and gaseous conditions, films, etc) requirements, including current market specifications to enable newcomers to Asian vegetables to be able to determine their comparitive advantages before entering production.

Current Progress Final experiments have been conducted on the range of Asian vegetable crops researched within this project, including Asian cucurbits (melons and gourds), burdock, daikon, kailaan, taro, Japanese bunching onion, sweet potato and okra. The second draft of the report for kabocha has been written, and commented on by the group of researchers, who gathered in Cairns in late 2000 for a presentation and review of progress within the project. The report details multiple field experiments and laboratory quality assessments. These have already been of use to those getting involved in the kabocha industry. Reports on the other commodities researched are in various stages of completion. Cooperative meetings between researchers, growers and others involved in the industry (including political supporters) initiated through this project will continue to be supported through another RIRDC project.
Experiments to determine whether open-hearted Asian Brassicas can be grouped for the sake of chemical registration have been completed, and the results presented cooperatively with staff of the National Registration Authority at the World Chemistry Congress 2001, and to be presented at 18th Conference of Residue Chemists in Canberra in October 2001. Through this the National Registration Authority has become aware of problems in current registration groupings, and producers are working with Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG) and AusVeg to put together applications for minor use permits. Some of these have been approved, and are frequently listed in the QFVG News.
CQU continues to receive numerous requests for information and contacts for a range of Asian vegetables. Information is provided on a 'whole demand chain' basis, including general information on genetic, production, postharvest, disease, quality, and status of domestic and international markets. Details of a number of crops are to be found at the following www site:
http://www.ahs.cqu.edu.au/info/science/psg/AsianVeg/AsianVeg.html

Project Title Development of taro, yam, yam bean and sweet potato exports to Japan and USA

RIRDC Project No: UCQ-13A

Start Date: 01/01/01

Finish Date: 30/01/04

Researcher: Prof. David Midmore

Organisation: Central Queensland University
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702

Phone: (07) 4930 9770

Fax: (07) 4930 9255

Email: d.midmore@cqu.edu.au

Objectives · Investigate markets, define required quality attributes, to establish a supply chain for the successful export of taro, yam, yam bean and/or sweet potato to Japan and/or USA. In parallel, ensure the group of producers and suppliers has the capacity to stand alone for exporting and diversifying from these commodities.

Current Progress An initial meeting of researchers, producers and other industry representatives was held in February 2001. In June 2001, representatives of the project group will tour key markets, as well as production and processing facilities, in Japan and USA. The purpose of the tour is to determine exact seasonal market requirements for varieties and quality, identify quarantine and supply chain requirements to ensure high product quality, and establish further contacts in the fresh and frozen food processing and marketing industries. An Australian workshop will be held following the tour to present information and decide which varieties should be selected for production, shipping and marketing trials. Collections of germplasm currently available (from commercial growers and seed suppliers) in Australia have been established at CQU Rockhampton, Queensland DPI Gatton, and NSW Agriculture Gosford, and a universal database is being developed for the project. Germplasm at CQU is being used for genetic fingerprinting studies. Initial genetic comparisons have commenced, using the RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) technique. Negotiations are underway with researchers at QUT, to begin screening currently held germplasm for viruses. Virus-free germplasm of varieties with desirable product characteristics will be multiplied at QDPI Gatton Research Station and NSW Agriculture, Gosford. Initial production trials of currently held varieties will commence in August-September 2001, at a number of sites extending from north Queensland down to the NSW central coast. The first newsletter of the project is about to be distributed to collaborators and interested producers and marketers. A website is currently being constructed to provide relevant product information and progress of the project.

Project Title Speciality mushroom production systems: maitake and morels

RIRDC Project No: UT-30A

Start Date: 01/02/00

Finish Date: 31/01/05

Researcher: Dr. Caroline Mohammed

Organisation: University of Tasmania
CRC- Sustainable Production Forestry,
GPO Box 252-12
HOBART TAS 7001

Phone: (03) 6226 2717

Fax: (03) 6226 2642

Email: Caroline.Mohammed@ffp.csiro.au

Objectives · A technical bulletin detailing methods for fruiting maitake and morels.
· A feasibility analysis and guidelines for the commercial production of maitake and morels.
· The production of specialty mushrooms in demand both overseas and domestically, especially by Asian communities.
· The profitable marketing of high value "clean fresh" mushrooms to Asia and Australia.
· The potential for developing a maitake health food product (medicinal extract).
· International recognition of Tasmania as a centre of excellence for the production of speciality mushrooms and the marketing of such expertise via internet and/or seminars by the industry partner (Huon Valley Mushrooms).

Current Progress Dr. Karen Stott's visit to Japan and Germany in 2000 provided useful contacts for the Specialty Gourmet and Medicinal Fungi group. These contacts have provided Maitake and Morel isolates for this project. Personal contacts have assisted in the development of experimental work as it relates to the commercial environment. Collaborative opportunities are being further explored with Germany, Ukraine and Mexico.
The recently upgraded mushroom growing rooms will control environmental parameters such as temperature, light, CO2 and relative humidity. These facilities provide the group with an outstanding research environment in which to conduct cultivation studies of Maitake, Morel and other specialty fungi. The Japanese method for growing Maitake has been trialed in conjunction with a study determining the effectiveness of substrate additives under Australian conditions.
A successful Morel collecting season identified numerous fruiting sites that will be monitored in future years. Morels isolated from these sites have been identified to morphological species and their vegetative cultures form the raw material for Morel research. This culture collection is the largest collection of Tasmanian Morels and as such forms a significant international collection. It is currently stored at the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research.

Asian Food Product Development

Project Title	Outcomes and market development strategies, processed Asian food projects
RIRDC Project No:	AFM-4A
Start Date:	16/08/00
Finish Date:	31/01/02
Researcher:	Dr. Suku Bhaskaran
Organisation:	Australian Food Marketing Centre Victoria University City Flinders Lane Campus (C069) PO Box 14428 MELBOURNE CITY MC VIC 8001
Phone:	(03) 9248 1054
Fax:	(03) 9248 1021
Email:	suku.bhaskaran@vu.edu.au
Objectives	· Build on the 1999 review of the Asian Foods Program by the Centre for International Economics by analysing, evaluating and reporting on the outcomes (commercialisation, import replacement, export enhancement, national and community benefits), identifying the barriers to achieving projected outcomes and recommending strategies to enhance the commercialisation and viability of processed Asian foods R&D projects support by RIRDC.
Current Progress	The exploratory phase of the project was completed in February 2001. The exploratory study included literature review and in-depth discussions with key informants in government and industry. Based on information collated during the exploratory phase of the study, a database of companies that manufacture processed Asian foods was developed. Concurrently, a survey questionnaire was developed and sent to the Chief Executive Officers of all companies in the database. The survey questionnaire aims to collate information such as sales turnover, products, export volumes and values, export destinations and R&D support that these companies have received from government agencies. At present questionnaires that have been completed and returned are being analysed.

Project Title	Industry Development for Asian Vegetables in North Queensland
RIRDC Project No:	DAQ-270A
Start Date:	01/07/00
Finish Date:	31/05/01
Researcher:	Mr. Kynan Gooding Vic O’Keefe
Organisation:	PO Box 4962 Queensland Department of Primary Industries Sunshine Coast MC PO Box 591 Nambour QLD 4560 Ayr QLD 4807
Phone:	(07) 5476 3105 (07) 4783 2355
Fax:	(07) 5476 1012 (07) 4783 3193
Email:	remats@bigpond.com okeefev@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	The projects objectives are to produce the following: · Coordination and dissemination of results of existing R&D in the Asian vegetable industry / integrate information sharing in North Queensland · Improved understanding of the Asian Vegetable Industry and the prospects for wider adoption in North Queensland. · Promotion of the utilisation of Asian Vegetable farming systems. · Regional North Queensland Industry Development Seminars illustrating Asian vegetable farming systems. · The production of information manuals for distribution at the Industry Development Seminars. · Establishment of a working group to progress Asian Vegetable Industry Development in North Queensland.
Current Progress	The project, ‘Industry Development for Asian Vegetables’ is now nearing completion, with all milestones now accomplished. Initially (July, 2000) an Industry Advisory Committee was established. A meeting was held with these members to discuss; - the objectives of the project, - possible dates and venues for the development seminars, - format for the information manuals to be distributed at the seminars, - proposed format for the seminars and possible expert speakers. Desktop research was undertaken to compile Asian vegetable market, economic and agronomic information for the manuals and the seminars. The manuals were compiled and contained sections on each of these. Two seminars were held, Mackay, Saturday 17^th February 2001 and Townsville, Sunday 18^th February 2001. The speakers for the seminars were; Greg Owens (NT DPIF) - Agronomics, Melinda Gosbee (NT DPIF) - Postharvest/transport, Grant Vinning, (Asian Market Research) - Markets/Marketing/Economics. Both seminars were well attended with approximately 60 people (including current Asian vegetable and conventional horticulture growers) attending the two days. All participants received an Information manual from the seminar and were also required to complete an evaluation form. Results from the evaluation suggest that the seminars were very well received, with a majority of people rating the information as very or extremely useful.

Industry Communication and Technology Transfer

Project Title Pilot project on extension and communication with Asian non-english speakingbBackground (NESB) vegetable growers for the adoption of best practices

RIRDC Project No: DAV-176A

Start Date: 01/01/00

Finish Date: 30/06/02

Researcher: Dr. Wendy Morgan

Organisation: Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
Agriculture Victoria Knoxfield
Institute for Horticultural Development
Private Bag 15
SOUTH EASTERN MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176

Phone: (03) 9210 9222

Fax: (03) 9887 3609

Email: wendy.morgan@nre.vic.gov.au

Objectives · Facilitated information flow to NESB vegetable growers to ensure best practice and profitability.
· Increased understanding and use of best agronomic and postharvest handling practices in vegetable production by NESB growers to maximise quality and storage life and reduce risks of contaminants by human pathogens.
· Correct use of chemicals including chemical application, use of approved chemicals only and minimised risk of infringing maximum residue limits.
· Introduction of principals of HACPP analysis and quality assurance systems (QA) to NESB growers.
· Evaluation of the strategies used in and the impact of, the project to
· Identify general approaches for communicating with NESB growes on adoption of best practices.

Current Progress There are 60 Asian vegetable growers located near Darwin in Northern Territory, the area selected for this pilot project. The appointment of a Communication Officer was considered critical to the success of this project as the main method being evaluated is delivery through two-way communication, employing an ethnic officer who speaks the predominant language of the Asian Non English Speaking Background vegetable growers. Ms Kim Bui speaks Vietnamese and English and has experience as a vegetable grower on the family farm and as a Quarantine Officer with DPIF, Darwin. A confidential database of growers, crops grown, markets and grower skills was completed early in the project to use as a baseline to evaluate change and also to identify priorities for improving grower skills. The Asian Vegetable Growers Association (AVGA) was formed on June 15, 2000. The AVGA, other growers and the Project Steering Committee have been consulted on issues affecting their industry and their information requirements prioritised. Kim has regular contact with all growers ( face to face, fax and phone , technical workshops), prepares summary and technical information sheets and takes part in Field Days with the AVGA. The NT’s Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Horticultural Group and the Northern Territory Horticultural Association work closely with Kim and have programs, which support this project.

Project Title National Asian Foods Newsletter

RIRDC Project No: DAV–179A

Start Date: 01/07/00

Finish Date: 30/06/03

Researcher: Mr Graeme Thomson

Organisation: Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield
Private bag 15
SOUTH EASTERN MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176

Phone: (03) 9210 9222

Fax: (03) 9800 3521

Email: graeme.thomson@nre.vic.gov.au

Objectives · To continue the National Asian foods/vegetables newsletter for effective communication, networking and transfer of information in the Australian Asian vegetable/food industry.

Current Progress Over the past 12 months, a total of 11,228 newsletters were delivered to subscribers all over Australia. An Access to Asian Foods edition was produced for August 2000 and February 2001. For each of the remaining months of the year an issue of Access to Asian Vegetables was compiled, edited and dispatched.
In June 2001 the subscription list was the largest in the project’s history and stood at 972 individuals for each monthly mail out. The vast majority of newsletters are published in English but each month around 100 Vietnamese and 20 Chinese translations are also produced.
Newsletter articles have continued to cover a broad range of topics from sources nationwide. The Foods issues again focussed on research reports for projects funded by RIRDC. Content in the Vegetables issues concentrated on postharvest handling, farm chemicals, quality description language, industry publications and grower group meetings.
The newsletters enable researchers to quickly get findings to a broad audience. They also foster networking and cohesion between the scattered and varied groups that make up the Australian Asian vegetable/food industry.

Project Title	Extending shelf-life of minimally-processed leafy Asian vegetables
RIRDC Project No:	DAQ-239A
Start Date:	01/06/98
Finish Date:	30/09/01
Researcher:	Dr Tim O’Hare
Organisation:	Queensland Department of Primary Industries Gatton Research Station LMB7 GATTON QLD 4343
Phone:	(07) 54662257
Fax:	(07) 54623223
Email:	OhareT@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	The proposal aims at enabling expansion of the domestic market and access to export markets of minimally-processed Asian leafy vegetables by extending the shelf-life of this product by: · testing plastic films recommended in DAQ-213A for use in modified atmosphere packaging; · investigating the potential shelf-life extension by MCP-fumigation; and · investigating the potential of differential handling systems for extending shelf life.
Current Progress	Film optimisation was divided into two sections: wholesale packaging and retail packaging. The Australian fresh-cut industry has become more competitive during the life of this project, with lower prices for raw product making bulk packaging no longer economic for suppliers to processors. Consequently, further research on the development of wholesale bags has been terminated. Effective wholesale packaging was produced (in cooperation with Landec Pty Ltd), with bacterial rots limiting storage life. Rots tended to occur at contact points between leaves and plastic where condensate formed. Although rots were diminished through the use of sanitation washes, it is thought that rots could be further reduced by introducing a buffer between the film and the leaves, such as cardboard, to take up excess water. Retail packaging is still a priority for the industry. We have begun development of a high clarity MAP bag with Andrew Kohn Pty Ltd to replace current retail packaging being used by a major minimal-processor of Asian leafy vegetables. The bag would replace more expensive (and less effective) micro-perforated packaging currently imported. A package film to suit our requirements for Asian vegetables (as well as lettuce) has been identified and is being tested.

Project Title	Consolidating the Asian vegetable industry, building on past achievements and action for the future
RIRDC Project No.:	UCQ-10A
Start Date:	01/01/98
Finish Date:	31/05/01
Researcher:	Prof. David Midmore
Organisation:	Central Queensland University School of Biological and Environmental Sciences ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702
Phone:	(07) 4930 9770
Fax:	(07) 4930 9255
Email:	d.midmore@cqu.edu.au
Objectives	· To establish a country-wide production strategy, based upon cost benefit analyses and regional complementarity, for the supply of export markets with Chinese cabbage, Chinese broccoli, flowernig cabbage, daikon, burdock, vegetable soybean, kabocha, bok choi, chives and other leafy vegetables with viable economic returns. · General co-ordination will also be undertaken for other commodities with year-round production potential and already funded by RIRDC, eg. bamboo shoots, Chinese waterchestnuts and lotus. · To develop field and post harvest management practices for these commodities that lead to produce demanded by domestic and export markets (accessed from sustainable production systems). · To co-ordinate the co-operative effort amongst researchers, producers and market specialists to maximise the exprot opportunities into Asia for these and later, other commodities. · It is envisaged that an add-to (ie. loose-leaf) book will be developed through the life of the project, starting off with literature reviews and, that details all production (ie. varietal, climatic, ecternal input, cultural) and post harvest (ie. temperature, RH and gaseous conditions, films, etc) requirements, including current market specifications to enable newcomers to Asian vegetables to be able to determine their comparitive advantages before entering production.
Current Progress	Final experiments have been conducted on the range of Asian vegetable crops researched within this project, including Asian cucurbits (melons and gourds), burdock, daikon, kailaan, taro, Japanese bunching onion, sweet potato and okra. The second draft of the report for kabocha has been written, and commented on by the group of researchers, who gathered in Cairns in late 2000 for a presentation and review of progress within the project. The report details multiple field experiments and laboratory quality assessments. These have already been of use to those getting involved in the kabocha industry. Reports on the other commodities researched are in various stages of completion. Cooperative meetings between researchers, growers and others involved in the industry (including political supporters) initiated through this project will continue to be supported through another RIRDC project. Experiments to determine whether open-hearted Asian Brassicas can be grouped for the sake of chemical registration have been completed, and the results presented cooperatively with staff of the National Registration Authority at the World Chemistry Congress 2001, and to be presented at 18th Conference of Residue Chemists in Canberra in October 2001. Through this the National Registration Authority has become aware of problems in current registration groupings, and producers are working with Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG) and AusVeg to put together applications for minor use permits. Some of these have been approved, and are frequently listed in the QFVG News. CQU continues to receive numerous requests for information and contacts for a range of Asian vegetables. Information is provided on a 'whole demand chain' basis, including general information on genetic, production, postharvest, disease, quality, and status of domestic and international markets. Details of a number of crops are to be found at the following www site: http://www.ahs.cqu.edu.au/info/science/psg/AsianVeg/AsianVeg.html
Project Title		Development of taro, yam, yam bean and sweet potato exports to Japan and USA
RIRDC Project No:		UCQ-13A
Start Date:		01/01/01
Finish Date:		30/01/04
Researcher:		Prof. David Midmore
Organisation:		Central Queensland University School of Biological and Environmental Sciences ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702
Phone:		(07) 4930 9770
Fax:		(07) 4930 9255
Email:		d.midmore@cqu.edu.au
Objectives		· Investigate markets, define required quality attributes, to establish a supply chain for the successful export of taro, yam, yam bean and/or sweet potato to Japan and/or USA. In parallel, ensure the group of producers and suppliers has the capacity to stand alone for exporting and diversifying from these commodities.
Current Progress		An initial meeting of researchers, producers and other industry representatives was held in February 2001. In June 2001, representatives of the project group will tour key markets, as well as production and processing facilities, in Japan and USA. The purpose of the tour is to determine exact seasonal market requirements for varieties and quality, identify quarantine and supply chain requirements to ensure high product quality, and establish further contacts in the fresh and frozen food processing and marketing industries. An Australian workshop will be held following the tour to present information and decide which varieties should be selected for production, shipping and marketing trials. Collections of germplasm currently available (from commercial growers and seed suppliers) in Australia have been established at CQU Rockhampton, Queensland DPI Gatton, and NSW Agriculture Gosford, and a universal database is being developed for the project. Germplasm at CQU is being used for genetic fingerprinting studies. Initial genetic comparisons have commenced, using the RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) technique. Negotiations are underway with researchers at QUT, to begin screening currently held germplasm for viruses. Virus-free germplasm of varieties with desirable product characteristics will be multiplied at QDPI Gatton Research Station and NSW Agriculture, Gosford. Initial production trials of currently held varieties will commence in August-September 2001, at a number of sites extending from north Queensland down to the NSW central coast. The first newsletter of the project is about to be distributed to collaborators and interested producers and marketers. A website is currently being constructed to provide relevant product information and progress of the project.

Project Title	Speciality mushroom production systems: maitake and morels
RIRDC Project No:	UT-30A
Start Date:	01/02/00
Finish Date:	31/01/05
Researcher:	Dr. Caroline Mohammed
Organisation:	University of Tasmania CRC- Sustainable Production Forestry, GPO Box 252-12 HOBART TAS 7001
Phone:	(03) 6226 2717
Fax:	(03) 6226 2642
Email:	Caroline.Mohammed@ffp.csiro.au
Objectives	· A technical bulletin detailing methods for fruiting maitake and morels. · A feasibility analysis and guidelines for the commercial production of maitake and morels. · The production of specialty mushrooms in demand both overseas and domestically, especially by Asian communities. · The profitable marketing of high value "clean fresh" mushrooms to Asia and Australia. · The potential for developing a maitake health food product (medicinal extract). · International recognition of Tasmania as a centre of excellence for the production of speciality mushrooms and the marketing of such expertise via internet and/or seminars by the industry partner (Huon Valley Mushrooms).
Current Progress	Dr. Karen Stott's visit to Japan and Germany in 2000 provided useful contacts for the Specialty Gourmet and Medicinal Fungi group. These contacts have provided Maitake and Morel isolates for this project. Personal contacts have assisted in the development of experimental work as it relates to the commercial environment. Collaborative opportunities are being further explored with Germany, Ukraine and Mexico. The recently upgraded mushroom growing rooms will control environmental parameters such as temperature, light, CO2 and relative humidity. These facilities provide the group with an outstanding research environment in which to conduct cultivation studies of Maitake, Morel and other specialty fungi. The Japanese method for growing Maitake has been trialed in conjunction with a study determining the effectiveness of substrate additives under Australian conditions. A successful Morel collecting season identified numerous fruiting sites that will be monitored in future years. Morels isolated from these sites have been identified to morphological species and their vegetative cultures form the raw material for Morel research. This culture collection is the largest collection of Tasmanian Morels and as such forms a significant international collection. It is currently stored at the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research.

Project Title	Pilot project on extension and communication with Asian non-english speakingbBackground (NESB) vegetable growers for the adoption of best practices
RIRDC Project No:	DAV-176A
Start Date:	01/01/00
Finish Date:	30/06/02
Researcher:	Dr. Wendy Morgan
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic) Agriculture Victoria Knoxfield Institute for Horticultural Development Private Bag 15 SOUTH EASTERN MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176
Phone:	(03) 9210 9222
Fax:	(03) 9887 3609
Email:	wendy.morgan@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· Facilitated information flow to NESB vegetable growers to ensure best practice and profitability. · Increased understanding and use of best agronomic and postharvest handling practices in vegetable production by NESB growers to maximise quality and storage life and reduce risks of contaminants by human pathogens. · Correct use of chemicals including chemical application, use of approved chemicals only and minimised risk of infringing maximum residue limits. · Introduction of principals of HACPP analysis and quality assurance systems (QA) to NESB growers. · Evaluation of the strategies used in and the impact of, the project to · Identify general approaches for communicating with NESB growes on adoption of best practices.
Current Progress	There are 60 Asian vegetable growers located near Darwin in Northern Territory, the area selected for this pilot project. The appointment of a Communication Officer was considered critical to the success of this project as the main method being evaluated is delivery through two-way communication, employing an ethnic officer who speaks the predominant language of the Asian Non English Speaking Background vegetable growers. Ms Kim Bui speaks Vietnamese and English and has experience as a vegetable grower on the family farm and as a Quarantine Officer with DPIF, Darwin. A confidential database of growers, crops grown, markets and grower skills was completed early in the project to use as a baseline to evaluate change and also to identify priorities for improving grower skills. The Asian Vegetable Growers Association (AVGA) was formed on June 15, 2000. The AVGA, other growers and the Project Steering Committee have been consulted on issues affecting their industry and their information requirements prioritised. Kim has regular contact with all growers ( face to face, fax and phone , technical workshops), prepares summary and technical information sheets and takes part in Field Days with the AVGA. The NT’s Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Horticultural Group and the Northern Territory Horticultural Association work closely with Kim and have programs, which support this project.

Project Title	National Asian Foods Newsletter
RIRDC Project No:	DAV–179A
Start Date:	01/07/00
Finish Date:	30/06/03
Researcher:	Mr Graeme Thomson
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic) Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield Private bag 15 SOUTH EASTERN MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176
Phone:	(03) 9210 9222
Fax:	(03) 9800 3521
Email:	graeme.thomson@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· To continue the National Asian foods/vegetables newsletter for effective communication, networking and transfer of information in the Australian Asian vegetable/food industry.
Current Progress	Over the past 12 months, a total of 11,228 newsletters were delivered to subscribers all over Australia. An Access to Asian Foods edition was produced for August 2000 and February 2001. For each of the remaining months of the year an issue of Access to Asian Vegetables was compiled, edited and dispatched. In June 2001 the subscription list was the largest in the project’s history and stood at 972 individuals for each monthly mail out. The vast majority of newsletters are published in English but each month around 100 Vietnamese and 20 Chinese translations are also produced. Newsletter articles have continued to cover a broad range of topics from sources nationwide. The Foods issues again focussed on research reports for projects funded by RIRDC. Content in the Vegetables issues concentrated on postharvest handling, farm chemicals, quality description language, industry publications and grower group meetings. The newsletters enable researchers to quickly get findings to a broad audience. They also foster networking and cohesion between the scattered and varied groups that make up the Australian Asian vegetable/food industry.

Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

Rural Industries
Research & Development Corporation