Australian Bushfoods

A Short Bibliography of Useful Australian Plants, Rodney Barker, SGAP, 1992.

*Aboriginal Environmental Impacts, James Kohen, Southwood Press, NSW, 1997.
An invaluable account of Aboriginal land management over the last 50,000 years. The book presents the arguments and evidence to show that Aboriginal influence on many ecosystems of this continent has been profound and that any understanding of Australian land management and its ecosystems must take this into account. This book is particularly relevant to those involved in sustainable land management of remnant ecologies in Australia.

*Aboriginal Plant Use from the Elsey Area Northern Australia, Glenn Wightman, Jessie Garalnganjak Roberts and Lorraine Williams, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, 1992.

Aboriginal Plant Use from Kulimindini (Elliot) Northern Australia, Glenn Wightman, Dilkbarri Dixon, Lorraine Williams and Injimadi Dalywaters, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, 1992.

Aboriginal Plant Use from the Victoria River Area, Northern Australia, Nicholas Smith, Bobby Wididburu, Roy Nuwallat Harrington and Glenn Wightman, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, 1993.

Alawa Ethnobotany, Aboriginal Plant Use from Minyerri, Northern Australia, Glenn Wightman, Donna Jackson and Lorraine Williams, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, 1991.

Arrente Foods, Foods from Central Australia, Margaret Mary Turner Institute for Aboriginal Development, Alice Springs, NT.
An excellent series of publications that combines traditional Aboriginal knowledge with Western science and research. The information presented is based upon traditional plant knowledge of a number of NT communities and provides useful guides to the many native foods of the region. Jointly produced by the NT Herbarium, Conservation Commission of the NT, and the Traditional Bush Medicines Project of the NT.

A Key to Useful Australian Acacias for the Seasonally Dry Tropics, Maslin B. R., and M.W. Mcdonald, CSIRO Publishing.

*Aromatic Plants, Wrigley, J.W. and Fagg, M., Australian Native Plant Library, 1990, 130pp.
Describes more than 700 species of Australian aromats, their uses, classification of odours, elements and with 75 coloured photos. The authors are authorities on native plantspecies and have carried out considerable works with the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra and the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens on the North Coast of NSW.

Australia's Wild Food, Tim Low, Collins/Angus and Robertson.

*Australian Dry Zone Acacias for Human Food, House, A.P.N., and E. Hardwood, CSIRO.
A short account covering a number of aspects related to the commercial production and wild harvesting of a number of Acacia species with culinary potential. One of the first published releases on this topic and a useful research base for the industry to build on.

Australian Herb Industry Resource Guide, PO Box 203, Launceston, Tas, 7250.

*Australian Medicinal Plants, Lassack, E. and T. McCarthy, Mathven, 1983.
An early release that was largely overlooked when it came out yet it has drawn from extensive research carried out on the chemical constituents, and possible medicinal/nutritional benefits of native plants.

Australian Native Plants: Horticulture and Uses, K. Johnsson and M. Burdett, UNSW Press.

*Australian Native Plants:Propagation, cultivation and use in landscaping, 4th ed., J.W. Wrigley and M. Fagg, Reed Books.
An updated edition of a comprehensive classic that has served as a bible to the horticultural industry since the early 1980s. Not much on native edibles but all other subjects of amenity horticulture are well covered. A particularly important reference for those looking to cultivate native foods. The authors are authorities on native plant species and have carried out considerable work with the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra and the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens on the North Coast of NSW.

*Body, Land and Spirit, Janice Reid, U of Qld Press, 1982.
An important and fascinating account on traditionally-oriented Aborigines that draws on the original research of thirteen anthropologists, health professionals and scientists. The book reveals the sophistication and diversity in Aboriginal medical theories, practices and health that has largely been unrecognised in the delivery of Western health care to Aborigines. The book opens with a classic introduction that places current Australian populations in the same situation as Aboriginals, as futuristic victims of northern invaders. Mandatory reading for anyone working with Aboriginal communities particularly those related to health and environment as many native-food projects do. Touches on traditional use of foods and includes an excellent chapter on bush medicines and indigenous pharmacopoeia.

*Broome and Beyond, Plants and People of the Dampier Peninsular, Kimberley, Western Australia, Kevin F. Kenneally, Daphne Choules Edinger and Tim Willing, Department of Conservation and Land Management, WA, 1997.
An excellent reference for those seeking information on the flora of the Kimberley region and the Dampier Peninsula. It describes more than 700 species dealing with the environment, traditional Aboriginal plant uses, botanical exploration, plant communities and conservation. Excellent colour photos are included. Provides an insight into the benefits of preserving habitats and the value of food-bearing species for all arid regions of the world.

*Bushfood, Jennifer Isaacs, Weldon Press, Sydney, 1987.
One of the first of the recent wave of books on native foods and medicines covering the last decade. An excellent reference and guide to the wisdom of Aboriginal survival and some great eating covering all aspects of the diet. Jennifer has written a number of important books on Aboriginal culture, native foods and related subject matters.

Bushfood: A companion guide, Jennifer Isaacs, Landsdowne Publishing, 1996.
A pocket edition to follow up the larger earlier publication by this author. Goes through a range of Aboriginal foods with some references to medicines and implements. Mainly covers wet and dry tropics and central Australia. Quite informative, although readers after more detail should seek out the full edition of Bushfood.

Bushfood Plants, Useful and Edible Australian Plants for the South East, Merryn Carey and Peter Gow, Sapphire Coast Producers Associations, 1997.

Bushfoods of New South Wales: A Botanic Record and Aboriginal Oral History, Kathy Stewart and Bob Percival, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, 1997.

*Bushfires and Bushtucker, Peter Latz, IAD Press, Alice Springs.
One of the most comprehensive guides ever published of desert plant use. Latz importantly explains with supporting experiential observations and documentation how Aboriginal management of the country has allowed its people to survive and prosper. Their methods of manipulating certain species provides clues to the industry on how to cultivate some of the core industry species and Latz provides some much needed figures on quantity production per hectare from the wild and the drop in production that occurs when human manipulation ceases. Peter has been a leading botanist in Central Australia over the last 30 years with the Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory.

*Bushtucker: Australia's Wild Food Harvest, Tim Low, Angus and Robertson/Harper Collins, Sydney, 1989.
An interesting addition to Tim's previous publications with some great photographs and accounts of both Aboriginal and early colonists uses of native foods. This book covers many species from all States and has proven to be an important publication for the native foods industry. Includes a useful chart on the nutrition of many of the foods.

Bushtucker: Plants of the South-West, Draw B., Walley T. and G. Keighery, CALM WA, 1997, 64pp.
Published by CALM, WA, 50 Haymen Road, Como 6152. Part of a series entitled Bush Books. Practical field guides designed to assist those interested in Western Australia's unique flora, fauna and ecologies. An informative pocket edition from a series of wildlife books by CALM. Discusses the more common species of the region with Aboriginal names and collecting/flowering times.

Bush Medicines: The Pharmacopoeia, Scarlet, White and Reid in Body, Land and Spirit,Janice Reid, U of Qld Press, 1982.

Bush Medicine, Tim Low, Angus and Robertson, 1990.
Similar in style to Tim's Bushtucker publication and full of interesting anecdotes and wonderful photographs covering Aboriginal medicinal uses and early colonists herbal explorations of Australia's flora.

Bushtucker Identikit, G. Wightman and M. Andrew, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory.
Useful pocket books for bushwalkers, tourists and backpackers. Good information that comes in a number of different categories which includes: Bush Medicines, Desert Bushtucker, Plant Identikit and Wildlife Identikit. These publications have been made possible by the Aboriginal people of the Top End who have generously shared their traditional knowledge.

Caring for Country:Aborigines and Land Management, Young E., Ross H., Johnson J. and J. Kesteven, NPWS, Canberra, 1991.

Cornucopia, Stephen Facciola, Kampong Publications,1990.
A wealth of information on the world's edibles, including species and many selections, hybrids and cultivars. Includes some Australian native food species. A reference book of great value to land managers seeking to diversify as it covers many exotic crops and their best selections or cultivars.

*CSIRO Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, M. Lazarides and B. Hince (eds.), 1993, 330pp.
A handbook listing scientific and common names for Australian plants of economic significance, including crop plants, fodder trees and shrubs, forest trees, weeds, Aboriginal food and medicinal plants, etc. An excellent reference guide for the science community and enthusiasts. Available from CSIRO Publishing, PO Box 1139, Collingwood, VIC 3066.

Cradle of Incense: The Story of Australian Prostanthera, George W. Althofer, Stanley Smith Memorial Publication Fund, 1978.
A book about the Australian Mint-bush, a genus of which some species are currently undergoing research for oil and culinary herb potential. An interesting account about species that occurred in the travels, dreams and experiences of George Althofer who described many new forms of this wonderfully aromatic genera.

*Creating with Bunya Nuts, Rex Parsons, A Wyndham Observer Publication.
A useful recipe book about a grossly underrated food source with some very imaginative culinary delights.

Desert Crafts, Jennifer Isaacs, Doubleday, 1987.

Developing New Agricultural Industries:Lessons from the past, Wood, Chudleigh and Bond, R94/001 RIRDC, Canberra, 1994, 2vols, 350pp.

Economic Plants of the Northern Territory, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Northern Territory of Australia, Technical Bulletin 195, Agdex 305/30.
Covers the listing of plants with potential economic value suited for cultivation in the tropical and arid zones of the Northern Territory. Plants used by Aboriginal people are included where they are considered to have potential for future development. Cultivation history in the region of the listed species is also given.

*Economic Native Trees and Shrubs for South Australia, Neville Bonney, Greening Australia, SA, 1998.
This publication is aimed at small and large landholders who are seeking to diversify into tree related incomes. A valuable reference for those happy to mix native foods with other useful native species (cabinet timber, medicinal, forage, oils, salinity uptake, revegetation etc.). Covers some 300 species with details on cultivation and identification references. Relevant to other states as well as SA.

Edible Wattle Seeds of Southern Australia: A Review of Species for Use in Semi-Arid Regions, B.R. Maslin, L.A.J. Thomson, M.W. Mcdonald and S. Hamilton-Brown, CSIRO Publishing, 1998.

Essential Oils of Austeromyrtus, Callistemon and Melaleuca Species, Brophy J.J. and J.C. Doran.

Essential Oil Isolates from the Australian Flora, Lassak E.V. and L.A. Southwell, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, 1977.

Ethnobotany, Vegetation and Floristics of Milingimbi, Northern Australia, Glenn Wightman and N. M. Smith, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, 1989.

Field Distillation for Herbaceous Oils, 2nd edition, Denny E.F.K., McKenzie and Associates, 270pp.

*Future Eaters, Tim Flannery, Reed Publishing, 1995.
An interesting account of the evolution of Australia's (Oceania's/Gondwana's) flora and fauna in combination with humanity's eating habits. Discusses these eating patterns and the impact on the environment that our populations have had. Briefly mentions some of the native foods in various stages through the book.

*Fruits of the Rainforest, W and W Cooper, Geo Productions/RD.
This book illustrates the fruit of 626 species of plants found in North Queensland's tropical rainforest. Also included is edible species. The illustrations are superb and information was gleaned from North Queensland's Tropical Research Station on the Atherton Tablelands.

Gurindji Ethnobotany: Aboriginal Plant Use from Daguragu Northern Australia, Northern Territory Botanical Bulletin No 18, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, PO Box 496, Palmerston, NT, 0842.

Go Native: Wild Food Cookbook, Jan Sked, SGAP, Pine Rivers.

Mayi, Some Bush Fruits of Dampierland, Gather Mayi et al, Magabala Books, Broome, WA.

*Money Trees on Your Property: Profit gained through trees and how to grow them, David Fitzpatrick, Inkata Press.
An excellent guide to the economics of growing trees on farms, the costs and benefits of planting, maintaining, harvesting and marketing farm trees are dealt with, the concept being of particular relevance to native food operators.

Moth Hunters of the Australian Capital Territory: Aboriginal Traditional Life in the Canberra Region, Josephine Flood, Josephine Flood, 1996, 43pp.
A short description of traditional Aboriginal life in the south-eastern highlands or southern uplands of Australia. A revised version of a short account of Aborigines of the ACT, commissioned in the 1980s by the then Department of Aboriginal Affairs. An important account of Bogong Moth hunting and ceremonial activities and Aboriginal life in this region including brief mention of plant species used.

Natural Plant Dyes, Judith V. Hallet, Kangaroo Press, 1993.
An excellent guide on how to obtain a wide range of natural colours for fabric dyeing using plant extracts. This includes a large number of Australian species.

New Crops DOOR-Marketing: Do Our Own Marketing Research, Rob Fletcher, School of Land and Food, U of Qld, Gatton, 1998, 153pp.

New Zealand Medicinal Plants,S.G. Brooker, R.C. Cambe and R.C. Cooper, Heinemann Publishers, 1981.

Permaculture: A Designers Manual, Bill Mollison, Tagari Publications, 1988.

Pests, Diseases and Ailments of Australian Plants, David Jones, Rodger Elliot.

*Plants and People: Aboriginal Uses of Plants on Groote Eylandt, Aust. Inst of Aboriginal Studies, Canberra, ACT.

Plants for Medicines, Collins, Culvenor, Lamberton, Loder and Price, CSIRO, 1990.

Plants of the Tropical Woodland, Mike Clarke and Stuart Traynor, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, 1987.

Plants of Western NSW, Cunningham G., Mulham W., Milthorpe P. and J. Leigh, Soil Conservation Service of NSW, 1981.
An invaluable book for arid land managers with many references to Aboriginal use of dry climate flora in this region.

Punu, Yankunytjatjara Plant Use, Goddard C. and A. Kalotas, (Eds.), Institute for Aboriginal Development/Angus and Robertson, 1985.

Quandong: A Viable Opportunity, R*O*D Books, WA, 1993.
An account of the Quandongs colonial and Aboriginal history, its cultivation at an experimental farm at Quorn in SA. It also comes with recipes and useful cultivation information. Compiled at the Minnipa research station, SA by the State Tree Centre and the Department of Agriculture, SA.

Sixty Wattles of the Chinchilla and Mulla Shires, Grace Lithgow, through the Bushfoods Mail Order Bookshop.

*Some Citrus Species and Varieties in Australia, Alexander, D. McE, CSIRO.
A useful account of citrus hybrids, rootstocks and some native species of citrus that has become more important with the release by the CSIRO via Australian Native Produce Industries (ANPI) of some excellent native citrus hybrids.

SEQ Forestry Network News: SEQ Forestry Network, QDPI Forests Industries Development.
Free publication. Request from DPI Forests Industries Development, GPO Box 944, Brisbane, 4001, Fax 07 3234 1200.

*Sustainable Use of Wildlife by Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders, Mary Bomford and Judy Caughly, Australian Government Publishing Service, 1997.
Looks at ways to ensure that wildlife harvesting, which has the potential to offer employment, improved nutrition, and fulfilment of cultural and spiritual values for indigenous peoples, meets these needs whilst being sustainable and integrated with community goals for the conservation of rare and endangered species. It also examines strategies which recognise that indigenous Australians have the ability and right to participate in environment management.

Sandalwood, Ian Kealley, CALM WA.
A detailed history of the Sandalwood Industry in a magazine format, 16 pages.

The Illustrated Herb Encyclopedia, Kathi Keville, Simon and Schuster,1991.

*The Management of Sandalwood, Ian G Kealley, CALM, WA, 1991.
An excellent and extremely detailed account of the Sandalwood Industry in WA covering all aspects of the Industry, cultivation and crop management. Relevant to dry-land operators wanting well documented case study examples on native crops.

The Story of Sandalwood, Alison Oats, Museum of the Goldfields of Kalgoorlie, WA, 1989.
A basic history of the Sandalwood and its uses. Very brief, 12 pages.

*Tables of Composition of Australian Aboriginal Foods, Brand Miller, James, Maggiore, Aboriginal Studies Press, 1993.
The current bible on Bushfood nutrition providing an invaluable insight into the true value of many of our native species. An important information source to follow up from the initial source which uncovered the remarkably high percentage of vitamin C in the Kakadu Plum.

The Aborigines of the Sydney District Before 1788, Peter Turbett, Kangaroo Press, 1989.

*The Bushfood Handbook, Vic Cherikoff, Cherikoff Pty Ltd (now Vic Cherikoff Food Services Pty Ltd)
A good reference guide for east coast species as well as promotion of the concept. One of the first extensive reference books with some invaluable practical information. Good species lists, loads of factual anecdotal background on plant uses and history and some wonderful photos.

The Conservation Farmer: Newsletter of Conservation Farmers Inc, PO Box 1666, Toowoomba, QLD 4350. Membership - $50 pa (includes newsletter).

The Pitjanjatjara and their Crafts, Peter Brokensha, Aboriginal Arts Board,1975.

The Feast of the Bunya, Cornelius Moynihan, Fortitude Press, 1901, reprinted 1985.

*The Use of Trees and Shrubs in the Dry Country of Australia, Forestry and Timber Bureau, Australian Government Publishing Service, 1972.
An important early release that appears to have been way ahead of its time. A very practical publication that is still of great benefit to dryland farmers. Covers a wide range of topics including the value of trees on farms, selection of species, fodder, shelter belts, timber and its management, and cultivation.

A Taste of Australis, Ross, Joy, Five Mile Press.

*Tukka, Real Australian Food, Jean-Paul Brunteau, Angus and Robertson.
A well written account of the core species from a chef's perspective. Excellent historical accounts given of both colonial and indigenous uses of species. One of the most readable culinary books written and has done a great deal to promote the concept and the indigenous cultures of Australia.

*Traditional Ecological Knowledge, 1988,Williams N. and G. Bains (Ed) Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, ANU, Canberra.

*Traditional Bush Medicines, Aboriginal Communities of the Northern Territory, Greenhouse Publications, 1988.
One of the most extensive coverage of tropical species medicinal uses and Aboriginal pharmacopoeia.

*Useful Bush Plants, Peter Bindon, WA Museum, 1996, 286 pp.
Descriptions of over 200 Australian native species including uses for foods and medicines. A much needed account of Aboriginal plant use throughout WA, also including other parts of Australia. Profile sheet style write ups of each species including Aboriginal names and related uses in other parts of the world. Very useful book.

Uniquely Australian, Vic Cherikoff, Bush Tucker Supply Australia.

Useful Native Plants of Australia, J. H. Maiden, Turner and Henderson, Sydney, 1988.

Use of Native Plants in the South East of South Australia by the Indigenous Peoples Before 1839, Neville Bonney, Greening Australia, 1994.

Victorian Aborigines: Plant Foods, Alison Oates and Annette Seeman, National Museum of Victoria, 1979.

*Wild Foods of Australia, A B and J W Cribb, Collins.
One of the original reference books for the avid bush forager. However, some of the species discussed have perhaps been included somewhat ambitiously making interesting anecdotes but not so relevant for those into serious native foods production. An important milestone in the literature of the industry.

Wild Food Plants of Australia, Tim Low, Angus and Robertson/Harper Collins.

Wild Herbs of Australia, Tim Low, Angus and Robertson Harper/Collins

*Wild Lime, Juleigh Robins, Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 1996, 210pp.
A good coverage of the main core species of the native foods industry, along with a few not so common additions. Some interesting recipes as well as useful sections on where to purchase supplies and plants, a much needed reference.

Wild Medicines of Australia, A B and J W Cribb, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, Australia.
As for Wild Foods of Australia indicated above.

World Vegetables: Principles, Production and Nutritive Values, V.E. Rubatzky and M. Yamaguchi, 2nd Ed., ISBN 0-412-11221-3, Chapman and Hall, New York, 1997, 843pp.

Periodicals, fact sheets, research projects and research papers
Titles are list in alaphabeticial order (* indicates particularly relevant information sources)
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Aboriginal Plant Use and Modern Horticulture-A Future in Common? John McCarthy, Total Earth Care, 37 Irrawong Rd, North Narrabeen, NSW, 2102, Tel 02 9979 8812.
Lecture given at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney in 1993. A hard hitting critique of the problems that stem from modern day urban and rural land management systems that have chosen to ignore the value of our own native plant resources and the side effects for Aboriginals and non-indigenous land managers.

*A Commercial Herb Industry for NSW: An Infant Enterprise, Fraser S. and P. M. Whish, RIRDC Research Paper 97/18, 1997, 134pp.
Describes how to overcome some of the constraints in establishing a herb industry for NSW. Looks at agronomic and cultural aspects of commercial production, seedling production, harvesting, handling, processing, packaging and marketing of the final product. All these are highly relevant to those seeking to grow native herbaceous foods many of which have similar cultivation requirements. Cost $15.

Agribusiness and Processed Food Developments in SE Asia, Instate Pty Ltd for RIRDC Research Paper 93/1. Cost $25.

Alternative Farmer: The Land, Reply Paid 19, PO Box 999, North Richmond, NSW 2754.

*Assessment of Commercial Prospects and Research Priorities for New Industries, Bond K., Chudleigh P. and I. Wood, RIRDC, 1997, 70pp.
Reviews existing models and methods of allocating research funds for new and emerging rural industries. It develops a model for the tree oil industry to explore and demonstrate how models can assist the assessment of research options within and between industries. Many of these papers though not written for the native foods industry can provide excellent formats for the industry to follow. This will prove very important in preventing industry players from reinventing the wheel, a current problem within the industry. Cost $15.

Aussie Bee: Bulletin of the Australian Native Bee Research Centre, $26.5pa (4 issues).
Australian Native Bee Research Centre (ANBRC) Newsletter, PO Box 74, North Richmond, NSW 2754: produce 4 newsletters annually. Aims are to promote awareness about native bee species and to encourage preservation and enjoyment of Native Bees.

Australian Agroforestry: Setting the Scene for Future Research, RIRDC, 1991, 90pp.
Cost $10.

*Australian Bushfoods Magazine, 5 Issues, ISSN:1328-0074.
A publication providing updated information on industry contacts and growers guide to species with some information provided by scientists and enthusiasts. Requires further input from some of the more experienced people within the industry who have been involved with the practical growing side. However, an excellent and much needed magazine. Contact: Tel 07 5494 3812, Fax 07 5494 3506.

Australian Bush Food Industry: A Brief Introduction, DPI Note, Qld Department of Primary Industries.

Australian Bush Foods: Illustrated unusual bushfood recipes, ANCA, GPO Box 636, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Poster Format.

*Australian Farmers Guide to the Internet, Parker R., RIRDC, 1997, 300pp (approx), CD-ROM.
A start up CD-ROM to help farmers get on-line. Features tips to help first-time and novice users of the Internet to understand and make best use of its features, as well as an extensive directory of over 250 Australian agricultural related sites. Cost $25.

*Australian Native Produce Industries: Plant Catalogue 1996, Australian Native Produce Industries, 1996.
An invaluable guide that covers how to cultivate core (mainly dry-climate) species and estimated costs and returns. Very little of this kind of information has been available for the industry to use as a benchmark for native crop production which makes this document an important source for the industry.

*Black Wattle and its Utilisation, A.G. Brown and Ho Chin Ko, CSIRO, 1997, 400pp.
An extremely detailed account of the commercial production of Acacia mearnsii. Provides excellent information relevant to the industry that could save a lot of time for those wanting to farm other Wattle species for food. Covers many aspects of genetic selection, in field production and cultivation, harvesting, establishing seed orchards, seed collecting and timber/bark removal. Available from RIRDC for $25.

Bush Delights Newsletter, Limpinwood Gardens, Tel 02 6679 3353.

*Bushfoods: a Vision for the Future, Hardwick P. and P. James, Greening Australia.
A paper given by Paul James, another industry pioneer, at the GA conference held in February 1994. Pinpoints the benefits of concentrating on a few core species.

Commercial Herb Industry for NSW: An Infant Enterprise, RIRDC, 1997, 134pp.
Cost $15.

Commercial Potential of NSW Flora, RIRDC, 1995, 20pp. Cost $10.

Commercial Prospects and Research Priorities for New Industries, RIRDC, 1997, 68pp. Cost $15.

*Ecosystem Bushfood Production in Sub Tropical Eastern Australia, P. Hardwick, Greening Australia.
An excellent document by one of the industry's pioneers listing most species with commercial potential and ranking them according to their commercial potential.

Efita 99,European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Conference held 27-30 September 1999.
Contact Ms U Rickert, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 74 Bonn, D-53115 Germany, Fax 49 228 733 431.

Essential Oils and Plant Extracts, Proceedings of the Essential Oils Planning Workshop,1996/1. Cost $15.

*Exploring Australia's Oldest Riches: A new path to economic success and ecological prosperity,Gareth Wise, Director, Australasian Ethnobotanical Foundation (AEF), PO Box11, West Ryde, NSW 2114.
A fascinating account of ethnobotanical research in Australia, and indeed the lack of it. Discusses opportunities for capitalising sustainably on our biological diversity and how Australia has only recently begun to uncover its wealth of pharmaceutical and indigenous food resources.

*Feasibility of a Sustainable Bushfood Industry in Western Qld, D.G. Phelps, Qld DPI, RIRDC research paper 97/11.
An overview of the native foods industry including the structure, size and limitations with the focus on Western Queensland. Covers the availability of raw materials from core species found in this region and other species found in central Australia. Provides some useful on-farm information on soil types, plant distributions and frequency and quantity of produce. Cost $15.

*Filsoll Reserve Community Development Program, Laurel Walker, Munno Para Skill Share, 1994.
Filsoll Reserve Horticultural program was a 14 week training course for long term unemployed Aboriginal Youth in the Northern Suburbs (Munno Para, Elizabeth, and Salisbury) of Adelaide, South Australia. The program, funded by Levis, was considered a success by local community members and it generated a great deal of positive publicity for local Aboriginal Youth. Could provide a useful role model for similar projects between cultures. Contact: Munno Para Skill Share, 112 Coventry Rd, Smithfield, Tel 08 8254 9111 for this report.

Guidelines for Economic Evaluation of R&D, Centre for International Economics, GRDC, 1997, 57pp.
A report that is the outcome of a joint project /workshop between the Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC) and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) held in July 1997. The project sought to implement an ongoing approach to research evaluation by these corporations. This written outcome contains a framework for undertaking evaluations that is considered suitable for ongoing or commencing research. Available from RIRDC for $15.

Handbook for Farmers and Investors, Keith Hyde, RIRDC, 1997, 580pp.

*Improving Tea Tree Yield and Quality Through Breeding and Selection, J. Doran, G. Baker, G. Murtagh and I. Southwell, RIRDC, 1997, 52pp.
Describes the successful development of a breeding strategy for high yielding varieties of Melaleuca alternifolia and the implementation of several breeding and selection trials. A very relevant document for information set-ups to trial and select improved native food species as many have oil production potential. Cost $10.

Information Exchange in Rural Industries,RIRDC, 1995, 71pp. Cost $10.

Integrating Trees with Livestock Grazing, RIRDC, 1997, 30pp.

Land Management Society Newsletter, Land Management Society, PO Box 242, Como, WA, 6152.

Medicinal Herbs and Pharmaceutical Plant Extracts, RIRDC 1997, 15pp.
A brief report that outlines the current status of the Australian industry and endeavours to determine the potential for further development. Discusses the pitfalls of the industry and the lack of support for R&D into the many indigenous herbs with commercial potential, a problem of relevance to the native foods industry.

*Native Foods, Provenance and Genetics,John McCarthy, Total Earth Care, 37 Irrawong Rd, North Narabeen, NSW, 2101.
Proceedings of a paper given at the 1998 Provenance Conference held by Greening Australia in June of that year. Argues in support of the native foods industry and the important role it has to play in helping to provide sustainable economic options to our current methods of land management and how the industry is being underestimated by related industries that could significantly assist its development.

New Crops, New Products, New Opportunities,RIRDC, 1997, 2 Vols, 640pp.
Cost $60.

New Uses Briefing Book: American New Uses Council, 1995, 389pp.
Available from Jonathan Harsch, New Use Council, PO Box 144, Jamestown, RI 02835-0144 USA. Cost $90.

Permaculture Journal, 1983, Number 13, pp4-12.

Postharvest Handling and Packaging of Fresh Herbs, Lapresti J. and B. Thomkins, RIRDC Research paper 97/5, 44pp.
A review of fresh herbs harvesting in Australia. The major finding was how little research had been carried out on post-harvest handling and packaging of culinary herbs in spite of an increasing demand. Wastage levels are high and treatments do not reflect the differing requirements between culinary species. Important lessons can be learnt from this research for those wanting to produce fresh native herbs. Cost $15.

Processing Trees on Farms, RIRDC, 1996, 60pp.
A study that examines forests and plantations as a resource and looks at the future availability of wood. It surveys the extent of farm forestry plantings and the economic benefits of farm forestry. This report shows how these farms can be managed to maximise production of valuable timber lines, a method of importance to native food producers. Cost $20.

*Prospects for the Australian Native Bushfoods Industry, RIRDC, 1997, 74pp.
Provides an overview of the industry with excellent coverage of 14 plant species, with examples of costs and returns included. It explores opportunities and weaknesses within the industry. Most importantly, it provides some direction for those looking to get their hands dirty and ball-park figures to offer some indication of budgets required. A valuable document that will need to be updated in the future. Cost $30.

Quandong Propagation, M. Sedgely, Aust Horticulture, 1984 (10).

*Tree Performance Databases and Selection Systems, Tim Vercoe and Bronwyn Clarke, RIRDC, 1997, 57pp.
Proceedings of a meeting held in Canberra, 8-9 March 1995. Provides some useful guidelines and database examples for selecting the right tree for the right conditions and then being able to calculate economic and environmental returns for people investing in trees on farms. Formats are extremely useful for those in the native foods industry, in particular primary producers who require a technique to compile data to assist in improving crop production and environmental management. Cost $16.

*The Australian Native Foods Industry: New Challenges for the Plant Propagator,John McCarthy, Total Earth Care, 37 Irrawong Rd, North Narrabeen NSW, Tel 02 9979 8812.
A talk given at the 1995 International Plant Propagators Convention at Adelaide in May. Covers a brief overview of the Australian native foods industry as was in 1995, and its origins and insights into the challenges for the plant propagator. It also covers some important ground-breaking work on the propagation of native food species. At this stage John was Senior Project Officer with ANPI.

*The Australian Native Foods Industry: Part of Australia's Changing Relationships
Between its People and its Flora,John McCarthy, Sydney Native Nursery and Total Earth Care, 37 Irrawong Rd, North Narrabeen, NSW, Tel 02 9979 8812.
An interesting account of the relationship between Australia's people of all ethnicities and how our environments are shaping our use of flora and management of our land and its vegetation. Particularly relates to food production and the potential of the native foods industry as an underestimated component for our farming systems.

The Food Potential of Australian Native Plants, Deakin University, Proceedings of Conference held 3/1984.

The Food Resources of Aborigines of SW Australia, Meagher S., WA Museum, 1974.

*The Role of Trees in Sustainable Agriculture, Greening Australia, 1997, 180pp.
A set of three work books available from Greening Australia demonstrating how farm forestry can control the problems which most directly affect agriculture, presenting the technique of whole farm planning. Describes the benefits of farm diversity, shelter belts and fodder. Relevant to anyone who would like to include native foods as a component of planning as the overall concept can be applied with minor species selection adjustment. Cost $25.

Trends and Issues in Adult Community Education, A Case Study by Laurel Walker for the University of South Australia.
Discusses the aims of the Filsoll Reserve Aboriginal Horticultural Program funded by Levis and facilitated by Munno Para Skill Share, Laurel Walker and John McCarthy. The Study relates the success of the relationship between the horticultural facilitator and the students and the different approach used which included the use of Aboriginal food and medicinal plants and a combination of two different cultural practices. Contact: Munno Para Skill Share 112, Coventry Rd, Smithfield, Tel 08 8254 9111.