RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 & Research in Progress as at June 2003

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

Industry Development

DAV-179A	National Asian Foods Newsletter	Mr. Graeme Thomson	(03) 9210 9222	Dept of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
DNT-28A	Improving interaction and communication between RIRDC Asian foods project leaders and industry	Mr. Geoff Walduck	(08) 8999 2219	NT Dept of Business, Industry and Resource Development
DAN-211A	Improved economic sustainability of Vietnamese vegetable growers in the Sydney region	Dr. David Hall	(02) 4348 1944	NSW Dept of Agriculture

Sustainable Production Systems

DAQ-291A

Taro production mechanisation and industry development

Mr. Craig Lemin

(07) 4064 1170

Dept of Primary Industries (QLD)

New Products

DAT-39A	Production and marketing of Tasmanian wasabi	Ms. Angela Sparrow	(03) 6336 5349	Dept of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tas)
FSA-2A	Adding value to Asian vegetables through easier meals for households	Ms. Jayanthi Weerasinghe	(03) 9731 3485	Food Science Australia
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
DAQ-298A	Development of prunus mume, a new tree crop for Austraia	Dr. Bruce Topp	(07) 5441 2211	Dept of Primary Industries (QLD)
DAQ-296A	Commercial taro chip development using agrichain partnerships	Mr. Dennis Murphy	(07) 4936 0235	Dept of Primary Industries (QLD)
DAQ-307A	Anti-cancer properties of Asian crucifers	Dr. Tim O'Hare	(07) 5466 2257	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
AMR-8A	New Asian vegetables for domestic and overseas markets	Mr. Grant Vinning	(07) 3376 2244	Asian Markets Research


 
 

Project Title	National Asian Foods Newsletter
RIRDC Project No:	DAV-179A
Start Date:	01/07/00
Finish Date:	30/06/03
Researchers:	Mr Graeme Thomson & Dr Wendy Morgan
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources and Environment Institute for Horticultural Development Private Bag 15 FERNTREE GULLY DC VIC 3156
Phone:	(03) 9210 9222
Fax:	(03) 9800 3521
Email:	graeme.thomson@nre.vic.gov.au, wendy.morgan@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 10,687 newsletters were delivered to subscribers all over Australia. An Access to Asian Foods edition was produced for August 2002 and February 2003. For each of the remaining months of the year an issue of Access to Asian Vegetables was compiled, edited and dispatched.  In July 2002 the subscription list was the largest in the 12 month period and stood at 936 individuals for each monthly mail out. The vast majority of newsletters are published in English but each month around 95 Vietnamese and 15 Chinese translations are also produced. The editors have sourced a range of articles from around Australia that reflect the diversity of vegetables and topics relevant to those with interests in Asian vegetables and foods. The Foods issues again focussed on research reports for projects funded by RIRDC and 13 articles were published in the past 12 months. The Vegetables issues covered 25 separate articles in categories including new products/crops, product descriptors, agronomy, postharvest handling and industry news. The newsletters enable researchers to quickly bring 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. All newsletters are also available on the internet at - www.nre.vic.gov.au/trade/asiaveg


 
 

Project Title	Improving interaction and communication between RIRDC Asian foods project leaders and industry
RIRDC Project No:	DNT-28A
Start Date:	01/03/01
Finish Date:	31/07/03
Researcher:	Mr. Geoff Walduck
Organisation:	NT Dept of Business, Industry & Resource Development PO Box 990 DARWIN NT 0801
Phone:	(08) 8999 2219
Fax:	(08) 8999 2049
Email:	geoff.walduck@nt.gov.au
Objectives	· Information exchange (formal and informal) between Asian food project leaders, industry and RIRDC Program Manager enhanced. · Project leaders available to present final and progressive research reports at appropriate industry forums. Formal information exchange documented and available to interested parties. · Industry issues identified regularly at industry forums.
Current Progress	The major activity of the project was the organisation and staging of a meeting of Researchers and Industry and the Asian Foods Program Manager [Tony Byrne] at Melbourne where there was a formal meeting at which all participants presented reports on current work and industry problems and opportunities were discussed. This was followed by a one-day field trip to growing areas south west of Geelong where researchers and RIRDC Manager interacted with growers on their properties and saw first hand the local issues. This also allowed for informal interaction between all parties. A proceeding of the meeting was produced and distributed. Feedback has indicated it is a useful reference and a contact point. A meeting at Gosford is currently planned for 12-13 June with a field trip to western Sydney growing areas.


 

Project Title	Improved economic sustainability of Vietnamese vegetable growers in the Sydney region
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-211A
Start Date:	11-Jan-02
Finish Date:	31-Oct-05
Researcher:	Dr. David Hall
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture National Centre for Greenhouse Horticulture Locked Bag 26 wGOSFORD NSW 2250
Phone:	(02) 4348 1944
Fax:	(02) 4348 1910
Email:	david.hall@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	1. Adoption of best practices by Vietnamese vegetable growers; 2. Increased economic viability of Vietnamese vegetable growers due to improved market access; 3. Increased consumer confidence in safety of Asian vegetables; 4. Detailed understanding of the information requirements and priorities of a specific Non English Speaking Background (NESB) grower groups; 5. Socially, more empowered, less isolated Vietnamese vegetable growers accessing information and negotiating for their local community; 6. More environmentally sustainable vegetable production in the Sydney region; 7. Verification of the transportability of the communication and extension model piloted in Northern Territory (DAV-176A).
Current Progress	The core activity with this project is improved communication with Vietnamese vegetable growers in the Sydney Region. This will commence once the project officer is appointed on 21 July 2003. Advertising for the position included through the Sydney Vietnamese newspapers Chieu Duong (Sunrise Daily) and Nguoi Viet (The Vietnamese Tribune) and SBS Radio. Considerable discussion occurred with Vietnamese growers to determine selection criteria for the position. The interview process included questions in Vietnamese and English and interviewees also translated a document into Vietnamese. The project officer will be Dr Ho Dang who speaks fluent Vietnamese and English and has formal training in agronomy, entomology, chemistry and education. An advisory committee has been formed for the project consisting of Dr David Hall (Coordinator, NSW Agriculture Horticultural programs Sydney Region), Kristina Le, (Vietnamese Grower), Henry Hung, (Vietnamese Grower), Wendy Morgan (Consultant, Victoria), Dr Vong Nguyen (NSW Agriculture, Special Research Horticulturist), Peter Malcolm (NSW Agriculture extension horticulturist) and Alison Anderson (NSW Industry Development Officer, Vegetables). The first activities will involve documenting crops grown, determining grower needs and surveying growers’ current skills.


 

Project Title	Taro production mechanisation and industry development
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-291A
Start Date:	8-Jan-02
Finish Date:	31-Dec-04
Researcher:	Mr. Craig Lemin
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture PO Box 20 SOUTH JOHNSTONE QLD 4859
Phone:	(07) 4064 1170
Fax:	(07) 4064 2249
Email:	leminc@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· Investigations for development of washing/cleaning equipment for esculenta and antiquorum taro. · Trialing/demonstration of potato diggers in taro for mechanization of harvest. · Trialing/demonstration of planters in taro for mechanisation of planting. · Review current, attempted and envisaged practices in relation to taro mechanisation in Australia and overseas. · Investigate techniques for mechanized recovery of antiquorum taro. · Reporting and liaison with industry on above.
Current Progress	Information about washing equipment manufactured in Japan has been sought through a company contact but details are limited and the equipment is claimed to suit very small-scale operations only. A grower in northern NSW is expected to import some of this equipment and it will be assessed. Meanwhile design of a machine to wash antiquorum taro and remove the roots is being completed. Some hardware for this machine has been purchased and discussions held with the proposed fabricator. Unfortunately this machine was not available in time for the 2003 harvest in northern NSW as hoped. If this machine is successful a larger version is proposed for use with esculenta taro. Development of a digging machine for esculenta taro is being undertaken in conjunction with Babinda growers and a local engineering works. Financial and technical input has been provided. The digging blade was first modified and then an elevating conveyor added. However the machine requires further development to perform satisfactorily. Future improvements are planned on advice from a potato grower. Meanwhile information is being sought on a mechanized harvester developed in Japan for tuber crops. There is potential for a consortium of growers to import this machine, which is expensive. There is a need for growers or researchers to see this machine operating in Japan to make an assessment of its performance. It appears to be very sophisticated and may well be suitable for esculenta and antiquorum types. Financial assistance was provided through the project to assist with fabrication of a semi-automated planter suitable for corm material. The machine is tractor mounted and plants a twin row at pre-set depth and spacing – it is simple but effective. Its performance in terms of accuracy of corm placement will be assessed. Further development of planting equipment is not proposed except to investigate use of tissue-cultured plantlets. Production systems and review Information on aspects of production systems in relation to mechanization and from review of literature is continuing to be sought. A horticulturist at South Johnstone (Jeff Daniells) is having increased interest and contact with the taro industry and will assist with compiling this review.

Project Title	Production and marketing of Tasmanian wasabi
RIRDC Project No:	DAT-39A
Start Date:	01/07/01
Finish Date:	31/12/04
Researcher:	Mrs Angela Sparrow
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tas) Vegetables and Associated Industries Branch PO Box 46 KINGS MEADOW TAS 7249
Phone:	(03) 6336 5349
Fax:	(03) 6344 9814
Email:	Angela.Sparrow@dpiwe.tas.gov.au
Objectives	· Tasmania will become the major supplier of premium fresh wasabi to the Australian market replacing currently imported product, and also commence exporting to other Pacific Rim Countries. · Improvement in yield and product quality will permit expansion of the industry to include South East Asian markets. · The 'Wasabi Production Guide' will be revised, updating cultural practises to include aquatic production.
Current Progress	In October 2002, Angela Sparrow, Principal Investigator for the project travelled to Japan to identify sources of planting stock, cultural practices and product marketing options for wasabi. The visit confirmed that the plans of Tasmanian producers to move to a water-grown system would be beneficial for production of premium quality wasabi. Tissue-cultured wasabi plants have been ordered for production in Tasmania. The Japanese selection will be imported in June 2003 and plants hardened-off prior to establishing a commercial site for water-grown wasabi in September 2003. 'Wasabi Growers of Tasmania Pty Ltd' was established in May 2003 and will coordinate orders and distribution of wasabi planting material to other Tasmanian growers. Fresh wasabi stems and leaves from Tasmania are supplied to outlets in Sydney (NSW) Melbourne (Vic.), and Hobart (Tas.) with the domestic demand far exceeding supply. Dried wasabi leaf and stem are included in wasabi cheese produced by 'Ashgrove Cheese Pty Ltd', and exported to markets in both Japan and the USA. In April 2003, the first issue of 'Wasabi News', a newsletter describing progress in the developing Tasmanian wasabi industry, was prepared and distributed.


 
 

Project Title	Adding value to Asian vegetables through easier meals for households
RIRDC Project No:	FSA-2A
Start Date:	01/08/01
Finish Date:	31/07/04
Researcher:	Ms. Jayanthi Weerasinghe
Organisation:	Food Science Australia Private Bag 16 WERRIBEE, VIC 3030
Phone:	(03) 9731 3345
Fax:	(03) 9731 3201
Email:	Jayanthi.Weerasinghe@foodscience.afisc.csiro.au,
Objectives	· Enhance the Australian Asian vegetable industry and its productivity by maximising processing opportunities. · Asian vegetables identified for the development of "ready to heat and serve" meal components that are convenient and easy to incorporate into family meal situations. · Introduction of the average Australian household to Asian vegetables, without the apprehension caused by not knowing the correct method of preparation. · Establishment of product, process, packaging, storage and handling protocols for three pre-prepared meals for commercial adoption by food manufacturers.
Current Progress	The project aims to introduce convenient "ready-to-use" Asian vegetables into typical Australian households. The first phase, completed in 2002, included information on the types of currently available vegetables and how they are processed and packaged. Additional information on post harvest handling of Australian grown Asian vegetables was also compiled. 20 Asian vegetables were chosen for product development. The development of three novel Asian vegetable meals is expected by 2004. Products currently available in supermarkets contain no more than 5% Asian vegetables. Therefore, during 2002/03 work included the development of an Asian salad and a stir fry mix containing more than 40% Asian vegetables, including Ceylon spinach, pennywort, Vietnamese mint, Asian basil, watercress, Chinese cabbage and flowering cabbage, Vietnamese lettuce, spring onion, baby corn, water chestnut, okra, snake beans and lotus root. Production trials conducted at a commercial manufacturing facility identified appropriate packaging for the extension of product shelf life. Another product containing sweet potato is currently being developed. Links between the growers and the processing industry are also being established for future commercialization of the products. Issues of mutual importance for both growers and processors, such as the sustainability of selected vegetables for processing and post harvest handling requirements, were highlighted.

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	The market report on taro, sweet potato and yam in overseas and Australian domestic markets was published by RIRDC in May 2003. Six Japanese varieties of sweet potato are currently in quarantine and it is planned that they will be released in early 2004 into the sweet potato program based at QDPI Gatton. Discussions are underway to source pathogen-free tissue cultured plants of Japanese taro cultivars. Initial trial plots of the small-corm taro cultivar tentatively named "NORADA 1" were harvested in May 2002. Virus testing was conducted at QUT on leaf samples of "NORADA 1" grown in the trial plots and two commercial crops. Only one sample, from Southedge QDPI Research Station, tested positive. Taro bacilliform badnavirus was detected, however, by itself it does not seem to cause significant symptoms. This positive result was most likely due to local infection at the research station. Further trials of cultivar "NORADA 1" were established in October 2002 at various locations in Qld and NSW to compare the effects of planting density, time of planting, "seed" corm size, nutrition and irrigation on yield and quality. Six other small-corm cultivars are currently being multiplied for trials in 2003. NSW Agriculture conducted organoleptic tests on corm samples from the 2002 harvest. Initial postharvest experiments commenced in July 2002 at NSW Agriculture, to determine optimum temperature and humidity for corm storage during shipping. NORADA taro growers have linked up with a private marketing company for exporting to Japan and other countries. Trial shipments to Japan are planned for the 2003 harvest season. NORADA taro growers have been encouraged to link up with Taro Growers Australia (TGA) for further industry and market development.


 
 

Project Title	Development of Prunus mume, a new tree crop for Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-298A
Start Date:	1-Jan-03
Finish Date:	31-May-06
Researcher:	Dr. Bruce Topp
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) Queensland Horticulture Institute PO Box 5083 SCMC NAMBOUR QLD 4560
Phone:	(07) 5441 2211
Fax:	(07) 5441 2235
Email:	toppb@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	The main outcome will be the establishment of an entirely new industry involving producers, processors and exporters. The mume industry will generate new jobs and will replace current imported product. The R&D objectives are: · To determine new markets potential competitors and to quantify the business economics of the agri-supply chain in the production and marketing of processed mume products (salted plums, mume sauces, umeboshi and umeshu). · To study the adaptation, cropping and agronomy of mume in Australia and determine potential yields, consistency of supply and make recommendations on suitable varieties. · To evaluate mume as a genetic bridge in the development of other Prunus species and create novel products for processing.
Current Progress	Prunus mume is used to make a variety of processed food products including dried salty plums, a pickled product (Umeboshi) and a product with the fruit in alcohol and sugar (Umeshu). All products are enormously popular in Asia and are 100% imported into Australia where there is a growing domestic demand. This project is investigating the market and agronomic feasibility of establishing a mume industry in Australia. Mume trees may be grown in low-input orchards with potential to develop sustainable or organic production systems. Fruit are harvested when hard and green and so are less prone to fruit disease and insect pests usually associated with Prunus crops. The firm fruit harvesting also lends itself to adaptation for mechanical harvesting and so reduced production costs. All these factors point to a new crop that may have a place in Australia. In the first year of the project mume trees are being propagated and planted at temperate and sub-tropical locations to test adaptation. Concurrently we are identifying market characteristics for established supply chains and determining the prospects for developing new commercial markets.


 

Project Title	Commercial taro chip development using agrichain partnerships
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-296A
Start Date:	17-Sep-02
Finish Date:	30-Nov-03
Researcher:	Mr. Dennis Murphy
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) Trade Development Officer PO Box 6014 ROCKHAMPTON CQMC QLD 4702
Phone:	(07) 4936 0235
Fax:	(07) 4936 0208
Email:	murphy@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	The objective of this project is to initiate a new value adding industry by developing a value added taro chip product, the process for manufacture and to develop markets for such product nationally and internationally through agrichain partnerships. The project will deliver: · An understanding of and relationship with those agrichains partners identified for processed taro markets nationally and internationally · An understanding of the market feasibility of introducing a new value added taro product · The technical requirements for the manufacture of taro chips for commercial sales
Current Progress	CFT staff presented results of tests to taro growers in Brisbane in April. Tests involved 3 parameters (recommendations): 1. The slice thickness and cooking time of the taro chips. (recommended 1.0 and 1.2mm cooked for 60seconds at 180-185° ) 2. The comparison of 9 month and 12 month old taro for the manufacture of chips. (9 month old taro produced a superior quality chip) 3. The assessment of 4 different frying oils for the taro chips. (recommended cottonseed oil) Retail store audits for salty snacks and confectionary have been carried out in the North Queensland region.  Data / information on the Australian salty snack market has been collated and analyzed. An understanding of the characteristics of the salty snack market has been gained (size value / volume, growth, retail prices, pack sizes, major players etc) Initial discussions have been held with retailers / wholesalers / brokers re potential for taro chips in the North Queensland market. The market has been segmented into a few broad categories · Convenience · Kids · Premium / indulgence · Health conscious / nutrition Based on information gained thus far, the most likely segment of the market to target with taro chips seems to be the premium / indulgence market. Preliminary arrangements have been made for growers and potential chains (brokers, wholesalers, retailers) to meet with a view to discuss potential commercial relationships. Data / information on the taro processing industry in Hawaii has been sourced for comparison. Observations have been made on various taro products, packaging, price, volumes including some industry comment.


 

Project Title	Anti-cancer properties of Asian crucifers
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-307A
Start Date:	31-May-2003
Finish Date:	30-Sep-2006
Researcher:	Dr. Tim O'Hare
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
Phone:	(07) 5466 2257
Fax:	(07) 5466 2208
Email:	Tim.O'Hare@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	Identification of key crucifer species which could form the basis of industry sales on health rather than culinary issues, similar to broccoli sprouts in the USA. Identification and quantification of demonstrated anti-cancer glucosinolates in Asian crucifers. Provision of advice or recommendations on a pathway for addressing the regulatory issues relating to anti-cancer claims. The research has an aim to promote the consumption of Asian vegetables by broadening the consumer base through sales to people who would not have purchased Asian vegetables on a culinary basis (ie. flavour). A second and underlying issue is to identify products that will reduce the incidence of internal cancers in the Australian community.
Current Progress	The project has just been initiated. We are currently optimising techniques for the identification and quantification of glucosinolates from seed tissue.


 

Project Title	New Asian vegetables for domestic and overseas markets
RIRDC Project No.:	AMR-8A
Start Date:	01-Jul-2002
Finish Date:	28-Feb-2003
Researcher:	Mr. Grant Vinning
Organisation:	Asian Markets Research
Phone:	(07) 3376 2244
Fax:	(07) 3376 7264
Email:	grant.vinning@asianmarketsresearch.com.au
Objectives	The objective is to increase the prospects for selected Asian vegetables to be grown in Australia by providing an analysis of the domestic and international markets. The outcomes of the project will be: · The development of a marketing-based methodolgy by which to proceed with developing selected Asian vegetable(s). · Price profiles of select Asian vegetables. · The establishment of quality parameters. · An identification of the marketing chain. · The identification of the major supply chain management issues.
Current Progress	The project has developed three suites of criteria that form an ex-ante assessment to rank the likelihood of success of around 30 Asian vegetables in five markets. One suite relates to the production-based issues of seasonality, as it effects market window, and actual size of production. The latter is needed as this affects logistics which in turn affect market prospects. A second suite of criteria relate to the direct market issues of price and quarantine. Price is all important as it determines the profitability of the venture. As price is determined in the target market by a combination of local supplies and imports, access to means of assessing these becomes an important issue. Quarantine determines a "go/no go" situation. However as quarantine is rarely fixed, in that standards are changing as is the degree of science available to meet quarantine standards, an assessment of the permanency of quarantine has to be made. The third suite of criteria relate to factors that reduce market risk. The project quantifies four - spread of markets, size of markets, value–adding, and logistics.  The project is now developing hurdle rates for around 30 Asian vegetables for markets in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan.