Asian Foods - RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-2004 & Research in Progress as at June 2004

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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-2004 & Research in Progress as at June 2004
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To Asian Foods Completed Projects

2.1 Asian foods - Research in Progress
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION

Industry Development

DAN-211A Improved economic sustainability of Vietnamese vegetable growers in the Sydney region Dr. David Hall (02) 4348 1944 NSW Dept of Agriculture

DNT-29A Improving interaction and communication between RIRDC Asian foods leaders and industry (stage 2) Mr Geoff Walduck (08) 8999 2219 Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)

DNT-31A Product description languages and support material for minor tropical crops in northern Australia Mr Geoff Walduck (08) 8999 2219 Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)

New Products

CSP-9A Edamame soybean development in Australia Mr. Andrew James (07) 3214 2278 CSIRO Plant Industry

DAQ-298A Development of prunus mume, a new tree crop for Australia Dr. Bruce Topp (07) 5441 2211 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)

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

AMR-8A New Asian vegetables for domestic and overseas markets Mr. Grant Vinning (07) 3376 2244 Asian Markets Research

Sustainable Production Systems

DAQ-291A Taro production mechanisation and industry development Mr. Craig Lemin (07) 4064 1170 Dept of Primary Industries (QLD)

Application of Chemicals

UCQ-19J Asian vegetable pest, disease and weed management strategy Prof David Midmore (07) 4930 9770 Central Queensland University

RIRDC RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2004

Industry Development

Project Title Improved economic sustainability of Vietnamese vegetable growers in the Sydney region

RIRDC Project No.: DAN-211A

Start Date: 01-Nov-02

Finish Date: 31-Oct-05

Researcher: Dr David Hall

Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture
Gosford Horticultural Institute
Locked Bag 26, GOSFORD NSW 2250

Phone: (02) 4348 1944

Fax: (02) 4348 1910

Email: david.hall@agric.nsw.gov.au

Objectives · Adoption of best practices by Vietnamese vegetable growers;
· Increased economic viability of Vietnamese vegetable growers due to improved market access;
· Increased consumer confidence in safety of Asian vegetables;
· Detailed understanding of the information requirements and priorities of a specific Non English Speaking Background (NESB) grower groups;
· Socially, more empowered, less isolated Vietnamese vegetable growers accessing information and negotiating for their local community;
· More environmentally sustainable vegetable production in the Sydney region;
· Verification of the transportability of the communication and extension model piloted in Northern Territory (DAV-176A).

Current Progress A range of Asian and other vegetables are produced by Vietnamese growers on small farms on the western outskirts of Sydney. The aim of this project is improved communication to improve economic sustainability of these farmers. The communication officer, Ho Dang, who speaks Vietnamese and English and has training in agronomy and entomology, commenced in August 2003. He subsequently conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 growers, covering crop, farm and business data; grower skills and attitudes; and grower needs. The comprehensive survey report provides benchmarks to evaluate the projects' success.
On average, farmers grow 8 and up to 17 different vegetable types. The most popular are eggplant, chilli, bitter melon, tomato and snake beans. Farms range from 1 to 15 ha. Fifty three percent of growers have greenhouses; 47% farm only in open fields; the majority lease land.
From September 2003 to April 2004 there have been 15 training days for groups as workshops and field days covering fertiliser usage, integrated pest and disease management, water use efficiency and batch farm management planning with 80% of contacted growers attending at least one major training course. The communication officer has also visited most individual farms and helped provide advice on horticultural issues.

Project Title Improving interaction and communication between RIRDC Asian foods leaders and industry (stage 2)

RIRDC Project No.: DNT-29A

Start Date: 01-Aug-03

Finish Date: 30-Jun-05

Researcher: Mr Geoff Walduck

Organisation: Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)
PO Box 3000
DARWIN NT 0801

Phone: (08) 8999 2219

Fax: (08) 8999 2049

Email: geoff.walduck@nt.gov.au

Objectives ·1 To facilitate and promote information exchange (formal and informal) between Asian food Project leaders, IDO's, industry representatives and the RIRDC Program Manager.
· 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 regional level presented at a national meeting for all parties.

Current Progress The major activity of the project was the organisation and staging of a 2 day meeting of researchers and industry and the Asian Foods Program Manager [Tony Byrne].
The two day meeting was held in Brisbane in June 2004. Day One involved a field trip to Harvest Fresh Cuts factory and processing facility, Woolworths’ distribution centre and three commercial growers. This enabled researchers to discuss industry issues first hand with growers and processors. The second day involved a formal meeting with presentations by Asian Foods researchers on recent progress and research outcomes. This meeting also provided a venue for initial discussion on future priorities for the RIRDC Asian Foods research program.

Project Title Product description languages and support material for minor tropical crops in northern Australia

RIRDC Project No.: DNT-31A

Start Date: 30-Jun-03

Finish Date: 01-Jul-07

Researcher: Mr Geoff Walduck

Organisation: Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)
PO Box 3000
DARWIN NT 0801

Phone: (08) 8999 2219

Fax: (08) 8999 2049

Email: geoff.walduck@nt.gov.au

Objectives · Production of Product Description Languages for a range of smaller emerging and developing tropical crops in a range of appropriate flexible and inexpensive formats.
· Production of PDLs to be in partnership with all parts of the production/transport/distribution/retail and consumer chain.
· Produce PDLs in electronic format so that they can be customised and modified easily to meet constantly changing market and production conditions. This also allows a range of very short run hard copy formats to be produced at little cost to meet specific requirements as required.
· Develop a system of developing PDLs for a range of related or geographically compact small crops so that PDLs can be produced quickly, inexpensively and be flexible enough to assist the industry to develop in the market place at an earlier stage than is usual at the moment.
· Improve the flow and accuracy of product information flow within and along the market chain.
· Promote more efficient operation of the market chain by improving both the accuracy and the speed of information flow in both directions.
· Improve quality of produce and lead to commercial quality standards as required.
· Enables the possibility of sale by description and e-commerce.

Current Progress The start of the project was delayed by 6 months due to administrative delays relating to the indemnity clauses in the agreement.
PDLs have been produced for 3 types of Psiticorums[flowers and not part of this project] as a test of the procedures and proved succesful. These were done from DBIRD resources. A PDL has been produced for Limes and another for Pitaya [white]. The lime one has been reviewed and is in its final form. The Pitaya one is in the evaluation form and is being reviewed during the winter non cropping season with the final version to be produced after cropping commences in October. The PDL for Okra is currently in production.

New Products

Project Title Edamame soybean development in Australia

RIRDC Project No.: CSP-9A

Start Date: 01-Dec-03

Finish Date: 30-Nov-06

Researcher: Mr Andrew James

Organisation: CSIRO Plant Industry
120 Meiers Road
INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068

Phone: (07) 3214 2278

Fax: (07) 3214 2730

Email: andrew.james@csiro.au

Objectives This work seeks to develop a critical understanding of the ripening process in CSIRO-bred and elite Japanese cultivars of edamame soybean, and in particular, to understand how changes in seed size and the seed content of protein, oil, sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose and stachyose), vitamins (A, D and E) and isoflavones (genistein, diadzein and glycitein) vary with ripening and maturation environment. This knowledge will be used to develop strategies to ensure consistent supplies of excellent quality edamame to high-value markets in Australia initially and overseas.

Current Progress The project is on schedule, trials were planted at Lowood and at Gatton, good establishment was achieved. Phenology was recorded and sequential harvests for later analysis of sugars were made of edamame during grain fill. Several techniques for assessment of harvest timing were tested & included penetrometer and refractrometer measurements. The usefulness or otherwise of these methods will be determined once laboratory analysis of the sugars has been performed.

Project Title Development of Prunus mume, a new tree crop for Australia

RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-298A

Start Date: 01-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, commonly called Japanese apricot, is widely grown in Asia and the fruit are consumed as umeboshi (pickled), umeshu (wine) or as a dried salty plum. Mumes are not grown commercially in Australia but mume products are imported. In this project we are studying the potential of a mume industry by investigating the agronomy, marketing and economics of mume production. Agronomic evaluation trials of 5 mume cultivars were planted at Mareeba, Stanthorpe and Nambour in Queensland and Bangalow in NSW in 2004. Domestic market research was conducted by interviews with importers, wholesalers, retailers, hotel chefs and manufacturers and by a product audit in key markets. With no promotion of the imported products the Australian market is currently small and the products are being sold at medium prices ($10/kg for salty plums and up to $60/kg for high quality umeboshi). Our industry partner considers there is sufficient demand for salty plums to continue investigation and has produced trial product lots from the 2004 mume harvest. In 2004-2005 the Japanese market will be investigated (Japan is the largest consumer of umeboshi, importing 42,587 tonnes in 2000) and an economic evaluation of on-farm production will be completed.

Project Title Anti-cancer properties of Asian crucifers

RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-307A

Start Date: 31-May-03

Finish Date: 30-Sep-06

Researcher: Dr Tim O'Hare

Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)
Queensland Horticulture Institute
Gatton Research Station
LMB 7, MS 437
MS437
GATTON QLD 4343

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 An accurate and replicable HPLC procedure has been optimised for the identification and quantification of glucosinolates in seed material, and is being presently optimised for sprouts and mature tissue. To date, 25 crop species have been analysed for glucosinolate composition, identifying a total of 21 glucosinolates present in significant quantity. The number of glucosinolates identified in each species was variable (1-10), with a median value of 4. Glucosinolates included 10 alkylthioalkyl-, 6 olefin-, 3 aryl-, and 2 indole-glucosinolates. The anti-cancer potential of each of these compounds (based on the concentration of a compound required to double the quinone reductase specific activity in Hepa 1c1c7 murine hepatoma cells) has been determined from the scientific literature. Species investigated included 12 east-Asian species, 2 west-Asian species, 9 European/Mediterranean species, and 2 American species.

Project Title Production and marketing of Tasmanian wasabi

RIRDC Project No.: DAT-39A

Start Date: 01-Jul-01

Finish Date: 31-Dec-05

Researcher: Ms Angela Sparrow

Organisation: Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tas)
Vegetables and Associated Industries Branch
PO Box 46
KINGS MEADOWS 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 · Fresh wasabi stems and leaves from Tasmanian soil-grown selections are currently supplied to outlets in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart. Whilst Tasmania benefits from having product available year-round, demand for fresh wasabi exceeds supply, making expansion of the Tasmanian wasabi industry a priority.
· The value-added product ‘Wild Wasabi Cheese’ incorporates dried stems and leaves of Tasmanian wasabi and has been marketed in Australia, Japan and USA.
· Research has focused on the development of water-grown wasabi, which commands a premium price in the fresh market. In February 2004, ‘Wasabi Growers of Tasmania Pty Ltd’ established Stage 1 of the first water-grown wasabi farm in Tasmania. Planting stock was sourced from high quality Japanese selections. 'Wasabi Growers of Tasmania Pty Ltd' currently source and distribute wasabi planting stock for other Tasmanian growers.
· Research also includes a fungicide trial to assess the potential for yield and product quality improvements in both soil and water-grown wasabi crops and a trial to refine specific requirements for wasabi in water-culture. Information from current research will be included in the revised edition of the ‘Wasabi Production Guide’.
The newsletter ‘Wasabi News’ advises clients of recent progress in the developing Tasmanian wasabi industry.

Project Title Adding value to Asian vegetables through easier meals for households

RIRDC Project No.: FSA-2A

Start Date: 01-Aug-01

Finish Date: 31-Jul-04

Researcher: Dr Mala Gamage

Organisation: Food Science Australia
Packaging & Coatings Section
Private Bag 16
WERRIBEE VIC 3030

Phone: (03) 9731 3471

Fax: (03) 9371 3250

Email: mala.gamage@foodscience.afisc.csiro.au

Objectives · Enhance 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 a family meal situation.
· 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 processors.

Current Progress This three-year RIRDC and DPI-V co-funded project aims to introduce convenient "ready-to-use" Asian vegetables into more Australian households. As previously reported, suitable Asian vegetables for new product development were identified and five concept products were developed. Consumer evaluation judged Asian salad and stir-fry mixes to be generally acceptable with strong positive responses attributed to the unique flavour and odour of specific Asian vegetables.
During 2003, Food Science Australia and Convenience Foods, produced pilot-scale batches of salad and stir-fry products using a variety of Asian vegetables. The packaged salad and stir-fry mixes were stored at three different temperatures (2° C, 4° C and 7° C) and sensory and microbiological assessments were carried out at different storage time intervals. In general, storage at lower temperatures showed longer extension of shelf life and most Asian vegetables stored at 2ºC had a shelf life of 14 days. The primary governing factors for achieving an extended shelf life were initial product quality, low temperature storage and appropriate MAP conditions.
In May 2004 a semi commercial production trial was conducted to validate the observations made in 2003 by Food Science Australia on sensory and microbiological qualities of Asian stir-fry and salad. In addition the shelf life of an Asian vegetable salad formulated by Convenience Foods Pty Ltd was evaluated as the third product. The effects of storage temperature (4° C and 7° C) on shelf life of all three products and a packaging variation on one selected product were also evaluated.

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

RIRDC Project No.: UCQ-13A

Start Date: 01-Jan-01

Finish Date: 30-Sep-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 Six Japanese varieties of sweet potato have been released from quarantine into the Qld DPI&F sweet potato program, and will undergo initial field trials in September 2004. Two other Japanese sweet potato varieties are still in the virus-elimination program, and are likely to be released in 2005. Nine Japanese cultivars of sato-imo (small-corm taro) are undergoing virus testing and tissue culture multiplication for import to Australia. The contacts established for this exercise will also be useful for importing new cultivars for the large-corm taro industry.
Field trials of sato-imo cultivar "NORADA 1" that were harvested in 2003 investigated plant spacing and nutrition. Further trials established in 2003 are for further investigation of plant nutrition, water use, and best crop management practices.
Commercial quantities of "NORADA 1" sato-imo were available in northern NSW and southern Qld in 2003. A group of NSW growers linked with a commercial exporter to send samples and a trial shipment of 1000 kg of fresh sato-imo to Japan in June. There was positive feedback about quality of the corms, with recommendations for improving external appearance (eg. growing in lighter coloured soils) and improving grading consistency. Market timing and price issues inhibited further shipments in 2003 and so far in 2004.
Growers that contributed to the trial shipment, and sold product domestically, believe that the main issues that need addressing are reduction of production costs (through mechanisation, and generally more efficient practices), expansion of the domestic market for fresh and semi-processed/value-added products, and further exploration of export markets inside and outside of Japan for fresh and value-added products.

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
PO Box 371
SUMNER PARK QLD 4074

Phone: (07) 3376 2244

Fax: (07) 3376 7264

Email: grant.vinning@asianmarketsresearch.com.au

Objectives ·1 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.
·2 The outcomes of the project will be:
§ The development of a marketing-based methodolgy by which to proceed with developing selected Asian vegetable(s) and
§ 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.
·3 The deliverables will be; § a report outlining the methodology used to select vegetables for further study and the results of its application; and
§ individual product market profiles published through Access to Asian vegetables.

Current Progress The project has developed three suites of criteria that form an ex-ante assessment to ranks the likelihood of success of around 30 Asian vegetables in five markets.
One suite relates to the production-based issues of seasonality as it affects 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.

Sustainable Production Systems

Project Title Taro production mechanisation and industry development

RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-291A

Start Date: 01-Aug-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: craig.lemin@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 Washing and cleaning equipment
·1 A test washer for esculenta taro was assembled and trialed in January. This rig had chook plucking fingers mounted on a rotating drum, which acted on the taro corms (held by hand). The machine removed soil from the corms and a high proportion of the roots without causing damage to the skin. This provided the confidence to design a full-sized machine using the same principle. The design is now completed, components purchased and the machine is being fabricated. It will incorporate a roller conveyor to slowly rotate the corms as they pass beneath a series of rotating drums (with plucking fingers attached). The speed and aggressiveness of the plucking fingers can be adjusted. Water jets will also be installed. Design throughput can be varied from about 10-35 corms per minute. It is expected that the machine will be operational by the end of July or earlier.
·2 In early June it is hoped to revisit the grower in northern NSW who imported cleaning equipment for antiquorum taro from Japan. It appears that another root cutter machine has been imported and used.
Harvesting equipment
The taro-digging machine modified before Christmas has only recently been tested on a grower’s farm. Prolonged wet season rains prevented earlier use. The grower reports that the machine is now digging satisfactorily and elevating the taro up the conveyor. However blockages can occur at the inlet and outlet of the conveyor. This will be investigated however funds for further modification of the machine are now largely exhausted.
Production systems and review
It is anticipated that the RIRDC project "Taro Industry Development: The First Step" will commence in July 2004 – this project will undertake an on-farm survey of Australian taro growers including current practices, problems and perceived production and information needs etc. Input will be provided to the survey questionnaire so that information on production practices relevant to mechanization can be gathered (even if mechanization is not practiced).

Project Title Asian vegetable pest, disease and weed management strategy

RIRDC Project No.: UCQ-19J

Start Date: 01-Apr-04

Finish Date: 30-Sep-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 · With major concentrations of growers, to develop a prioritised inventory of major pests (read=pests, diseases and weeds) affecting Asian vegetables, and Herbs and Spices, the currently acceptable methods for management, and indications of needs for registration for off-label use of appropriate chemical and non-chemical management. To promote the various management options, especially non-chemical approaches.

Current Progress A standard workbook has been prepared for the workshops to encompass the common, less-common and localised pests in the various industries. To date we have held two workshops, one in Brisbane and one in Cairns. Through these two workshops, we have found that there is a vast range of insect pests, diseases and weeds on Asian vegetables, herbs & spices, and we have prioritised these according to the extent of damage they cause to these crops. The range of damage by these pests in some crops varies from 5-100%. We have come across many constraints in the production, pest management, chemical access, market access, legislation and lack of R&D for the Asian vegetable, herb and spice industries. The dates and venues for the remainder of the workshops nationwide have been decided and invitations have already been sent out to the relevant growers, researchers and industry personnel to participate and share their ideas in person with us so that we can further prioritise all known and indications of potential pests of these industries. This integrates the importance of the crop, the pest and the dollar value of current and potential damage, and will be used to determine priorities for research into chemical and non-chemical management options. For those unable to attend workshops in person, especially researchers, we will undertake interviews over the phone and/or by email.

DAN-211A	Improved economic sustainability of Vietnamese vegetable growers in the Sydney region	Dr. David Hall	(02) 4348 1944	NSW Dept of Agriculture
DNT-29A	Improving interaction and communication between RIRDC Asian foods leaders and industry (stage 2)	Mr Geoff Walduck	(08) 8999 2219	Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)
DNT-31A	Product description languages and support material for minor tropical crops in northern Australia	Mr Geoff Walduck	(08) 8999 2219	Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)

CSP-9A	Edamame soybean development in Australia	Mr. Andrew James	(07) 3214 2278	CSIRO Plant Industry
DAQ-298A	Development of prunus mume, a new tree crop for Australia	Dr. Bruce Topp	(07) 5441 2211	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)
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
AMR-8A	New Asian vegetables for domestic and overseas markets	Mr. Grant Vinning	(07) 3376 2244	Asian Markets Research

Project Title	Improved economic sustainability of Vietnamese vegetable growers in the Sydney region
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-211A
Start Date:	01-Nov-02
Finish Date:	31-Oct-05
Researcher:	Dr David Hall
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture Gosford Horticultural Institute Locked Bag 26, GOSFORD NSW 2250
Phone:	(02) 4348 1944
Fax:	(02) 4348 1910
Email:	david.hall@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	· Adoption of best practices by Vietnamese vegetable growers; · Increased economic viability of Vietnamese vegetable growers due to improved market access; · Increased consumer confidence in safety of Asian vegetables; · Detailed understanding of the information requirements and priorities of a specific Non English Speaking Background (NESB) grower groups; · Socially, more empowered, less isolated Vietnamese vegetable growers accessing information and negotiating for their local community; · More environmentally sustainable vegetable production in the Sydney region; · Verification of the transportability of the communication and extension model piloted in Northern Territory (DAV-176A).
Current Progress	A range of Asian and other vegetables are produced by Vietnamese growers on small farms on the western outskirts of Sydney. The aim of this project is improved communication to improve economic sustainability of these farmers. The communication officer, Ho Dang, who speaks Vietnamese and English and has training in agronomy and entomology, commenced in August 2003. He subsequently conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 growers, covering crop, farm and business data; grower skills and attitudes; and grower needs. The comprehensive survey report provides benchmarks to evaluate the projects' success. On average, farmers grow 8 and up to 17 different vegetable types. The most popular are eggplant, chilli, bitter melon, tomato and snake beans. Farms range from 1 to 15 ha. Fifty three percent of growers have greenhouses; 47% farm only in open fields; the majority lease land. From September 2003 to April 2004 there have been 15 training days for groups as workshops and field days covering fertiliser usage, integrated pest and disease management, water use efficiency and batch farm management planning with 80% of contacted growers attending at least one major training course. The communication officer has also visited most individual farms and helped provide advice on horticultural issues.

Project Title	Improving interaction and communication between RIRDC Asian foods leaders and industry (stage 2)
RIRDC Project No.:	DNT-29A
Start Date:	01-Aug-03
Finish Date:	30-Jun-05
Researcher:	Mr Geoff Walduck
Organisation:	Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT) PO Box 3000 DARWIN NT 0801
Phone:	(08) 8999 2219
Fax:	(08) 8999 2049
Email:	geoff.walduck@nt.gov.au
Objectives	·1 To facilitate and promote information exchange (formal and informal) between Asian food Project leaders, IDO's, industry representatives and the RIRDC Program Manager. · 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 regional level presented at a national meeting for all parties.
Current Progress	The major activity of the project was the organisation and staging of a 2 day meeting of researchers and industry and the Asian Foods Program Manager [Tony Byrne]. The two day meeting was held in Brisbane in June 2004. Day One involved a field trip to Harvest Fresh Cuts factory and processing facility, Woolworths’ distribution centre and three commercial growers. This enabled researchers to discuss industry issues first hand with growers and processors. The second day involved a formal meeting with presentations by Asian Foods researchers on recent progress and research outcomes. This meeting also provided a venue for initial discussion on future priorities for the RIRDC Asian Foods research program.

Project Title	Product description languages and support material for minor tropical crops in northern Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	DNT-31A
Start Date:	30-Jun-03
Finish Date:	01-Jul-07
Researcher:	Mr Geoff Walduck
Organisation:	Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT) PO Box 3000 DARWIN NT 0801
Phone:	(08) 8999 2219
Fax:	(08) 8999 2049
Email:	geoff.walduck@nt.gov.au
Objectives	· Production of Product Description Languages for a range of smaller emerging and developing tropical crops in a range of appropriate flexible and inexpensive formats. · Production of PDLs to be in partnership with all parts of the production/transport/distribution/retail and consumer chain. · Produce PDLs in electronic format so that they can be customised and modified easily to meet constantly changing market and production conditions. This also allows a range of very short run hard copy formats to be produced at little cost to meet specific requirements as required. · Develop a system of developing PDLs for a range of related or geographically compact small crops so that PDLs can be produced quickly, inexpensively and be flexible enough to assist the industry to develop in the market place at an earlier stage than is usual at the moment. · Improve the flow and accuracy of product information flow within and along the market chain. · Promote more efficient operation of the market chain by improving both the accuracy and the speed of information flow in both directions. · Improve quality of produce and lead to commercial quality standards as required. · Enables the possibility of sale by description and e-commerce.
Current Progress	The start of the project was delayed by 6 months due to administrative delays relating to the indemnity clauses in the agreement. PDLs have been produced for 3 types of Psiticorums[flowers and not part of this project] as a test of the procedures and proved succesful. These were done from DBIRD resources. A PDL has been produced for Limes and another for Pitaya [white]. The lime one has been reviewed and is in its final form. The Pitaya one is in the evaluation form and is being reviewed during the winter non cropping season with the final version to be produced after cropping commences in October. The PDL for Okra is currently in production.

Project Title	Edamame soybean development in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	CSP-9A
Start Date:	01-Dec-03
Finish Date:	30-Nov-06
Researcher:	Mr Andrew James
Organisation:	CSIRO Plant Industry 120 Meiers Road INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068
Phone:	(07) 3214 2278
Fax:	(07) 3214 2730
Email:	andrew.james@csiro.au
Objectives	This work seeks to develop a critical understanding of the ripening process in CSIRO-bred and elite Japanese cultivars of edamame soybean, and in particular, to understand how changes in seed size and the seed content of protein, oil, sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose and stachyose), vitamins (A, D and E) and isoflavones (genistein, diadzein and glycitein) vary with ripening and maturation environment. This knowledge will be used to develop strategies to ensure consistent supplies of excellent quality edamame to high-value markets in Australia initially and overseas.
Current Progress	The project is on schedule, trials were planted at Lowood and at Gatton, good establishment was achieved. Phenology was recorded and sequential harvests for later analysis of sugars were made of edamame during grain fill. Several techniques for assessment of harvest timing were tested & included penetrometer and refractrometer measurements. The usefulness or otherwise of these methods will be determined once laboratory analysis of the sugars has been performed.

Project Title	Development of Prunus mume, a new tree crop for Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-298A
Start Date:	01-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, commonly called Japanese apricot, is widely grown in Asia and the fruit are consumed as umeboshi (pickled), umeshu (wine) or as a dried salty plum. Mumes are not grown commercially in Australia but mume products are imported. In this project we are studying the potential of a mume industry by investigating the agronomy, marketing and economics of mume production. Agronomic evaluation trials of 5 mume cultivars were planted at Mareeba, Stanthorpe and Nambour in Queensland and Bangalow in NSW in 2004. Domestic market research was conducted by interviews with importers, wholesalers, retailers, hotel chefs and manufacturers and by a product audit in key markets. With no promotion of the imported products the Australian market is currently small and the products are being sold at medium prices ($10/kg for salty plums and up to $60/kg for high quality umeboshi). Our industry partner considers there is sufficient demand for salty plums to continue investigation and has produced trial product lots from the 2004 mume harvest. In 2004-2005 the Japanese market will be investigated (Japan is the largest consumer of umeboshi, importing 42,587 tonnes in 2000) and an economic evaluation of on-farm production will be completed.

Project Title	Anti-cancer properties of Asian crucifers
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-307A
Start Date:	31-May-03
Finish Date:	30-Sep-06
Researcher:	Dr Tim O'Hare
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) Queensland Horticulture Institute Gatton Research Station LMB 7, MS 437 MS437 GATTON QLD 4343
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	An accurate and replicable HPLC procedure has been optimised for the identification and quantification of glucosinolates in seed material, and is being presently optimised for sprouts and mature tissue. To date, 25 crop species have been analysed for glucosinolate composition, identifying a total of 21 glucosinolates present in significant quantity. The number of glucosinolates identified in each species was variable (1-10), with a median value of 4. Glucosinolates included 10 alkylthioalkyl-, 6 olefin-, 3 aryl-, and 2 indole-glucosinolates. The anti-cancer potential of each of these compounds (based on the concentration of a compound required to double the quinone reductase specific activity in Hepa 1c1c7 murine hepatoma cells) has been determined from the scientific literature. Species investigated included 12 east-Asian species, 2 west-Asian species, 9 European/Mediterranean species, and 2 American species.

Project Title	Production and marketing of Tasmanian wasabi
RIRDC Project No.:	DAT-39A
Start Date:	01-Jul-01
Finish Date:	31-Dec-05
Researcher:	Ms Angela Sparrow
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tas) Vegetables and Associated Industries Branch PO Box 46 KINGS MEADOWS 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	· Fresh wasabi stems and leaves from Tasmanian soil-grown selections are currently supplied to outlets in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart. Whilst Tasmania benefits from having product available year-round, demand for fresh wasabi exceeds supply, making expansion of the Tasmanian wasabi industry a priority. · The value-added product ‘Wild Wasabi Cheese’ incorporates dried stems and leaves of Tasmanian wasabi and has been marketed in Australia, Japan and USA. · Research has focused on the development of water-grown wasabi, which commands a premium price in the fresh market. In February 2004, ‘Wasabi Growers of Tasmania Pty Ltd’ established Stage 1 of the first water-grown wasabi farm in Tasmania. Planting stock was sourced from high quality Japanese selections. 'Wasabi Growers of Tasmania Pty Ltd' currently source and distribute wasabi planting stock for other Tasmanian growers. · Research also includes a fungicide trial to assess the potential for yield and product quality improvements in both soil and water-grown wasabi crops and a trial to refine specific requirements for wasabi in water-culture. Information from current research will be included in the revised edition of the ‘Wasabi Production Guide’. The newsletter ‘Wasabi News’ advises clients of recent progress in the developing Tasmanian wasabi industry.

Project Title	Adding value to Asian vegetables through easier meals for households
RIRDC Project No.:	FSA-2A
Start Date:	01-Aug-01
Finish Date:	31-Jul-04
Researcher:	Dr Mala Gamage
Organisation:	Food Science Australia Packaging & Coatings Section Private Bag 16 WERRIBEE VIC 3030
Phone:	(03) 9731 3471
Fax:	(03) 9371 3250
Email:	mala.gamage@foodscience.afisc.csiro.au
Objectives	· Enhance 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 a family meal situation. · 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 processors.
Current Progress	This three-year RIRDC and DPI-V co-funded project aims to introduce convenient "ready-to-use" Asian vegetables into more Australian households. As previously reported, suitable Asian vegetables for new product development were identified and five concept products were developed. Consumer evaluation judged Asian salad and stir-fry mixes to be generally acceptable with strong positive responses attributed to the unique flavour and odour of specific Asian vegetables. During 2003, Food Science Australia and Convenience Foods, produced pilot-scale batches of salad and stir-fry products using a variety of Asian vegetables. The packaged salad and stir-fry mixes were stored at three different temperatures (2° C, 4° C and 7° C) and sensory and microbiological assessments were carried out at different storage time intervals. In general, storage at lower temperatures showed longer extension of shelf life and most Asian vegetables stored at 2ºC had a shelf life of 14 days. The primary governing factors for achieving an extended shelf life were initial product quality, low temperature storage and appropriate MAP conditions. In May 2004 a semi commercial production trial was conducted to validate the observations made in 2003 by Food Science Australia on sensory and microbiological qualities of Asian stir-fry and salad. In addition the shelf life of an Asian vegetable salad formulated by Convenience Foods Pty Ltd was evaluated as the third product. The effects of storage temperature (4° C and 7° C) on shelf life of all three products and a packaging variation on one selected product were also evaluated.

Project Title	Development of taro, yam, yam bean and sweet potato exports to Japan and USA
RIRDC Project No.:	UCQ-13A
Start Date:	01-Jan-01
Finish Date:	30-Sep-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	Six Japanese varieties of sweet potato have been released from quarantine into the Qld DPI&F sweet potato program, and will undergo initial field trials in September 2004. Two other Japanese sweet potato varieties are still in the virus-elimination program, and are likely to be released in 2005. Nine Japanese cultivars of sato-imo (small-corm taro) are undergoing virus testing and tissue culture multiplication for import to Australia. The contacts established for this exercise will also be useful for importing new cultivars for the large-corm taro industry. Field trials of sato-imo cultivar "NORADA 1" that were harvested in 2003 investigated plant spacing and nutrition. Further trials established in 2003 are for further investigation of plant nutrition, water use, and best crop management practices. Commercial quantities of "NORADA 1" sato-imo were available in northern NSW and southern Qld in 2003. A group of NSW growers linked with a commercial exporter to send samples and a trial shipment of 1000 kg of fresh sato-imo to Japan in June. There was positive feedback about quality of the corms, with recommendations for improving external appearance (eg. growing in lighter coloured soils) and improving grading consistency. Market timing and price issues inhibited further shipments in 2003 and so far in 2004. Growers that contributed to the trial shipment, and sold product domestically, believe that the main issues that need addressing are reduction of production costs (through mechanisation, and generally more efficient practices), expansion of the domestic market for fresh and semi-processed/value-added products, and further exploration of export markets inside and outside of Japan for fresh and value-added products.

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 PO Box 371 SUMNER PARK QLD 4074
Phone:	(07) 3376 2244
Fax:	(07) 3376 7264
Email:	grant.vinning@asianmarketsresearch.com.au
Objectives	·1 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. ·2 The outcomes of the project will be: § The development of a marketing-based methodolgy by which to proceed with developing selected Asian vegetable(s) and § 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. ·3 The deliverables will be; § a report outlining the methodology used to select vegetables for further study and the results of its application; and § individual product market profiles published through Access to Asian vegetables.
Current Progress	The project has developed three suites of criteria that form an ex-ante assessment to ranks the likelihood of success of around 30 Asian vegetables in five markets. One suite relates to the production-based issues of seasonality as it affects 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.

Project Title	Taro production mechanisation and industry development
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-291A
Start Date:	01-Aug-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:	craig.lemin@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	Washing and cleaning equipment ·1 A test washer for esculenta taro was assembled and trialed in January. This rig had chook plucking fingers mounted on a rotating drum, which acted on the taro corms (held by hand). The machine removed soil from the corms and a high proportion of the roots without causing damage to the skin. This provided the confidence to design a full-sized machine using the same principle. The design is now completed, components purchased and the machine is being fabricated. It will incorporate a roller conveyor to slowly rotate the corms as they pass beneath a series of rotating drums (with plucking fingers attached). The speed and aggressiveness of the plucking fingers can be adjusted. Water jets will also be installed. Design throughput can be varied from about 10-35 corms per minute. It is expected that the machine will be operational by the end of July or earlier. ·2 In early June it is hoped to revisit the grower in northern NSW who imported cleaning equipment for antiquorum taro from Japan. It appears that another root cutter machine has been imported and used. Harvesting equipment The taro-digging machine modified before Christmas has only recently been tested on a grower’s farm. Prolonged wet season rains prevented earlier use. The grower reports that the machine is now digging satisfactorily and elevating the taro up the conveyor. However blockages can occur at the inlet and outlet of the conveyor. This will be investigated however funds for further modification of the machine are now largely exhausted. Production systems and review It is anticipated that the RIRDC project "Taro Industry Development: The First Step" will commence in July 2004 – this project will undertake an on-farm survey of Australian taro growers including current practices, problems and perceived production and information needs etc. Input will be provided to the survey questionnaire so that information on production practices relevant to mechanization can be gathered (even if mechanization is not practiced).

Project Title	Asian vegetable pest, disease and weed management strategy
RIRDC Project No.:	UCQ-19J
Start Date:	01-Apr-04
Finish Date:	30-Sep-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	· With major concentrations of growers, to develop a prioritised inventory of major pests (read=pests, diseases and weeds) affecting Asian vegetables, and Herbs and Spices, the currently acceptable methods for management, and indications of needs for registration for off-label use of appropriate chemical and non-chemical management. To promote the various management options, especially non-chemical approaches.
Current Progress	A standard workbook has been prepared for the workshops to encompass the common, less-common and localised pests in the various industries. To date we have held two workshops, one in Brisbane and one in Cairns. Through these two workshops, we have found that there is a vast range of insect pests, diseases and weeds on Asian vegetables, herbs & spices, and we have prioritised these according to the extent of damage they cause to these crops. The range of damage by these pests in some crops varies from 5-100%. We have come across many constraints in the production, pest management, chemical access, market access, legislation and lack of R&D for the Asian vegetable, herb and spice industries. The dates and venues for the remainder of the workshops nationwide have been decided and invitations have already been sent out to the relevant growers, researchers and industry personnel to participate and share their ideas in person with us so that we can further prioritise all known and indications of potential pests of these industries. This integrates the importance of the crop, the pest and the dollar value of current and potential damage, and will be used to determine priorities for research into chemical and non-chemical management options. For those unable to attend workshops in person, especially researchers, we will undertake interviews over the phone and/or by email.