| Project
Title |
Revised
five year plan for the RIRDC Asian Foods subprogram |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
AGL-1A |
| Researcher: |
Mr
Michael Clarke |
| Organisation: |
AgEconPlus
Pty Ltd
44 Barons Crescent
HUNTERS HILL, NSW, 2110 |
| Phone: |
(02)
9817 5888 |
| Fax: |
(02)
9816 4840 |
| Email: |
clarke@ageconplus.com.au |
| Objectives |
·1 Produce an R&D
Plan for the RIRDC Asian Foods subprogram for the period 2005 to 2009.
|
| Background |
The
RIRDC Asian Foods Sub-program originated with a National Workshop in July
1993 that set initial R&D priorities. In 1999, in accordance with RIRDC
practice, the first five-year R&D plan was developed for the Sub-program.
This project involved the
development of a new Asian Foods R&D plan for the next five years.
The process involved a review of the previous five years of the program,
a survey of stakeholders; a workshop of industry, researchers and marketers;
and circulation of the draft plan to stakeholders. |
| Research |
Over
the period FY99 to FY04 the Sub-program invested approximately $3 million
in 38 projects. Nearly 50 per cent of these projects covered industry development
and production research. The remaining 50 per cent consisted of projects
on production and post harvest, post harvest systems, processing and markets.
The industry has grown relatively
rapidly over the last decade and reached a new level of maturity. However,
there is still a lack of knowledge amongst consumers about Asian vegetables,
there are still difficulties for retailers in securing reliable supplies
of produce that meet their quality requirements and export performance
could be improved. |
| Outcomes |
Following
the workshop a new five year R&D plan was drafted and circulated to
workshop participants and other industry stakeholders for comment. The
amended plan was approved by the RIRDC Board at its December 2004 meeting.
The research priorities in
the new plan put stronger emphasis on understanding consumer requirements
and development and effective communication of knowledge that will improve
the performance of growers and others in the value chain. The plan has
four objectives as follows:
Objective 1 Understanding
consumer needs in both domestic and export markets
Objective 2 Communication
and collaboration with industry
Objective 3 Improve
crop productivity, sustainability and produce quality
Objective 4 Foster
development of new products, both fresh and semi processed |
| Implications |
The
plan will guide RIRDC’s investments in Asian Foods research for the next
five years. |
| Project
Title |
Australian
and export market study for Asian vegetables from Darwin/NT |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
CON-7J |
| Researcher: |
Mr
Barry Lee |
| Organisation: |
Connectica
International |
| Phone: |
0418
230 393 |
| Fax: |
(02)
9545 2687 |
| Email: |
barrywlee@ozemail.com.au |
| Objectives |
To
support the growth of the Asian vegetables industry in NT by undertaking
market research and commercial viability study for selected Asian vegetables
in Singapore. |
| Background |
A
recent RIRDC study showed that the Asian vegetables industry in the NT
has grown over 400% since 1994. However despite this strong growth, the
study reported that the Asian vegetables industry in the NT has a production
potential of some three times current output.
Industry and Government organisations
in the NT have reported recent market interest from Singapore especially
for leafy Asian vegetables and tropical Asian gourds due to the proximity
of the NT growers and the potential quality of Asian vegetables. As a result,
market research was recommended by industry as a priority action especially
due to the reported interest from the Singapore market. |
| Research |
Research
was conducted to estimate the Singapore landed C&F prices of exports
from Darwin for a selected range of vegetables, and compare these to equivalent
Singapore landed C&F prices of exports from other suppliers.
Imports from China were chosen
as the comparison to exports from Darwin. If the C&F prices for vegetables
exported from Darwin are less than or equivalent to those from China, then
these vegetables would appear to be competitive for export subject to growers
in Darwin accepting the returns associated with these C&F prices. |
| Outcomes |
This
study shows that exports by sea to Singapore from Darwin are commercially
viable for a selected number of vegetables. While many of the other vegetables
are not commercially viable, the selected vegetables provide Singapore
with an alternative source of supply.
In particular, the NT can
offer Singapore an alternate global source of supply of Asian vegetables.
Such supplies would be secure and safe from risks associated with such
current issues as pesticides, residues and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
or chicken flu. |
| Implications |
Exports
of Asian vegetables from NT need to be price competitive, however the exports
can provide further advantages for Singapore by offering ‘Least Cost and
Best Value’ Asian vegetables.
As Australia has the reverse
of seasons to that of China, and the NT is in close proximity to Singapore,
the potential remains for a consolidated approach to supply. Darwin is
able to provide Singapore with a future base from which to grow export
volumes and develop consolidated supply strategies from other Australian
growing areas. |
| Publications |
Lee,
B., (2005) Australian and Export Market Study for Asian Vegetables from
Darwin/NT, RIRDC Publication Number 05/037 |
| Project
Title |
Adding
value to Asian vegetables through easier meals for households |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
FSA-2A |
| 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 |
To
introduce convenient "ready-to-use" Asian vegetables into average Australian
households; to enhance the Australian Asian vegetable industry and its
productivity through maximizing processing opportunities; and to identify
Asian vegetables for the development of convenient and easy meal components
to incorporate into family meal situations. |
| Background |
This
project was carried out with the aim to encourage the Australian western
community to eat more Asian vegetables, and was funded by the Rural Industries
Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and the Department of Primary
Industries Victoria (DPI-V). |
| Research |
Various
activities were conducted during the project which included: a survey of
the Asian vegetable supply and of Asian restaurants for consumer trends;
raw material and product identification; product and process optimisation
based on focus group results; commercial production simulation and shelf
life studies; and a consumer evaluation trial of products made by a commercial
processor. Pilot-scale batches of Asian salad and stir-fry products were
produced using a variety of Asian vegetables. Packaged salad and stir-fry
mixes were stored at different chilled temperatures, and sensory and microbiological
assessments were carried out at different storage time intervals. |
| Outcomes |
In
general, storage at lower chilled temperatures resulted in a 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 chilled temperature storage
and appropriate packaging conditions. Most tasters involved in the taste
panels considered that they would purchase pre-packed Asian vegetables.
Convenience Foods Pty. Ltd.,
a commercial producer of fresh-cut vegetable products, provided financial
investment and in-kind support to this project by assisting the development
of two novel Asian vegetable products for consumer evaluation. It is anticipated
that these products will be introduced into the Australian retail marketplace
by the end of 2004. |
| Implications |
Consumer
trends initiated by products currently available to consumers suggesting
authentic Asian meals such as laksa, Thai green curries etc., have provided
the "ready to eat" meals product category with excellent prospects for
future sales. |
| Publications |
A
written summary of this project was published as an article in Access to
Asian Foods produced by the DPI-V and RIRDC in February 2002. |
| Project
Title |
Taro
production mechanisation and industry development |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-291A |
| 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 |
·1 To review and
investigate mechanisation in taro production.
·1 To trial, develop
and demonstrate as required planting, harvesting and washing equipment
for large corm (esculenta) taro appropriate to current growers.
·2 To investigate
techniques for mechanised harvesting (and washing) of "Japanese" (antiquorum)
taro.
|
| Background |
Taro
is an important and traditional world crop. In Australia, production is
only about 1,500t/year mainly from north Queensland, northern NSW and Northern
Territory. Imports of taro from Pacific Islands are greater than domestic
production due to lower prices. The current small domestic market and low
capital investment requirements mean the industry is characterised by small
growers and high manual labour. Sustained industry expansion through realisation
of market opportunities will require production at a lower cost base. In
2001, Taro Growers Australia was formed – increased mechanisation of taro
production was identified as an industry priority. |
| Research |
Knowledge
of mechanisation technology for planting, harvesting and washing (attempts,
experiences and current practices) of large corm taro, was gained through
visits and contact with growers in northern NSW and Queensland. References
in literature to technology used/available overseas were followed up. Project
funds were applied to development and testing of a simple corm planter
and a taro digger at Babinda. A continuous-throughput taro washer was designed,
constructed and tested at South Johnstone Research Station. Visits were
made to commercial farms trialling Japanese taro in northern NSW so that
equipment for mechanisation of harvesting and washing could be observed
and assessed. |
| Outcomes |
The
review of mechanisation in Australian taro production will provide greater
grower awareness of readily adoptable or potential techniques and equipment
for planting, harvesting and washing large corm and Japanese taro types.
A simple taro corm planter developed is now on-hand and incorporates automated
and adjustable plant spacing. Mechanised harvesting as practiced by a few
progressive growers has been verified to the wider industry. A simple taro
digger is now on-hand with potential for further improvement. A continuous
flow taro washer has been designed and tested with potential application
for "central packing shed" infrastructure. |
| Implications |
This
project has shown that mechanisation of the major labour intensive aspects
of large corm taro production – planting, harvesting and to a lesser extent
washing – is possible and being practiced by several growers. However,
adoption by growers is constrained by factors relating to equipment availability,
small scale of operation and diversity in growing methods and environments.
Suggested pre-cursors to
better adoption of mechanisation in taro include a) agronomic and economic
studies that attempt to identify an optimal growing system/environment
in the context of mechanisation being practiced; b) product promotion to
exploit greater market potential that will lead to a larger scale production
base; c) industry relocation to sites with environments offering reduced
impediments to mechanisation; d) encouragement of grower/industry collaboration
that mitigates and provides higher returns on capital investment through
co-operative or contract planting and harvesting and washing facilities.
Notwithstanding this, further research and development of technology for
mechanisation of taro washing and trialling of commercial potato diggers
in taro is still required. Also, opportunities by growers or researchers
to examine mechanisation technology in taro overseas should be pursued
and supported.
Investigation of mechanisation
in "Japanese" taro should be supported if there is sufficient likelihood
of significant (most likely export) market development. Examination of
existing overseas technology should be the initial priority. |
| Publications |
None. |
| Project
Title |
Asian
vegetable pest, disease and weed management strategy |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UCQ-19J |
| Researcher: |
Prof.
David J. Midmore and Mrs Jane Parker |
| 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
and qjcparker@bigpond.com |
| Objectives |
·1 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.
|
| Background |
Since
most of the vegetable and herb and spice species that are grown are in
small quantities there are only a small number of agrochemicals that are
registered for those industries.
The Asian vegetable industry
is currently valued at $136 million p.a. having doubled over the previous
7/8 years. There is no quantification (nor qualification) of the losses
incurred due to pests, on a geographic region and species by species basis,
to justify (or otherwise) future investment in research on management strategies.
For the Herb and Spice industry, the culinary export industry is projected
to grow at 100% per annum for the next 5 years giving a farm gate value
of $100 million by 2009. Considerable processing & marketing expertise
has been developed in Australia, which is of a world class standard. This
puts Australia in an excellent position to take advantage of burgeoning
overseas markets. To maintain its growth the Australian Herb & Spice
Industry has to export. The biggest barrier to export (and to increasing
domestic productivity) is the lack of sustainable IPM strategies, including
minor use permits for herbs and spices, as discussed in Scholefield Robinson’s
(May 2003) ‘ Background Paper for Discussion with Industry’, sponsored
by RIRDC. |
| Research |
The
surveys were run in all states and territories, and generated interest
amongst growers, researchers, consultants, and regional entities. The data
were collated and presented in tables and graphs, ordering the insects,
diseases and weeds in order of weighted priority. |
| Outcomes |
There
is low uptake of biological control, and a general confusion as to the
labelling of chemical products, and the legal extent of their use. There
is concern with the possible build up of resistance to the few products
that are fully registered or registered for off-label use, and this alone
appears to growers to be an incentive to have more products registered.
Fast-tracking of applications to the APVMA for off-label registrations
was one of the high priority actions requested by growers, as was a call
to unify the state-wise control of use of agrochemicals.
A list of priority pests
for the Asian vegetable and Herb and Spice industries is presented as a
basis for objective decisions re data collection (from within Australia
or overseas) for off-label permits. |
| Implications |
A
number of issues need to be resolved re terminology used by the APVMA in
their registration, and in the speed with which requests for permits are
expedited. |
| Publications |
Midmore,
D.J., Parker, J and Clark, J. (2004). A needs assessment for insect, disease
and weed management in the Asian vegetable industry in Australia. Advances
in applied biology: providing new opportunities for consumers and producers
in the 21st century. AAB, St Catherine’s Oxford, 15-17 December,
2004 |
