Liverpool at the cutting edge of food production

27 March 2019

Liverpool farmers will be at the forefront of a nationwide push into advanced food manufacturing designed to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

Liverpool City Council is one of more than 70 partners in the newly formed Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre announced today by Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews. Ms Andrews announced $35 million in funding for the centre, which will cost $187 million over 10 years.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the flow-on benefits to Liverpool’s agricultural, manufacturing and transport and logistics sectors will be significant.

“Making farming more efficient in its use of resources like energy and water and reducing costs in other ways will help producers remain profitable and competitive into the future,” Mayor Waller said.

“The Future Food Systems CRC will help future-proof the agriculture industry and create jobs.”

Liverpool will be the location for one of six food hubs, where researchers, growers and manufacturers will work together to find new ways to meet the growing local and international demand for Australia’s high-quality produce.

“We have the perfect opportunity with the development of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the Aerotropolis to include a new food precinct,” Mayor Waller said.

“Agriculture has formed an important part of Liverpool’s economic output since its establishment. Today, it supplies poultry and eggs, vegetables, flowers and dairy to the Sydney market and beyond.

“We look west to our rural lands for their productive and sustainable potential, not just suburbs in the waiting.

“A carefully planned cluster of intensive agribusiness will reduce costs associated with transporting goods and allow growers to share resources.

“High-tech indoor agriculture and food manufacturing has the potential to create new high-value jobs in our region.”

The CRC will also investigate the best ways to add value to locally-grown produce to make it more attractive to international markets.

“Researchers will be looking at ways to improve the nutritional content of food, smart packaging and food safety technology,” Mayor Waller said.

“Primary producers in Liverpool have a chance to be at the forefront of food production. This really is a fantastic boost for agriculture in Liverpool and the surrounding region.”

Liverpool, Darwin and Peel (WA) will be the first food hubs established, with Coffs Harbour, Mildura and Armidale to follow.

Liverpool is one of more than 70 partners in the CRC, which is led by NSW Farmers and includes six universities, government organisations, primary producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.

Picture:

NSW Farmers General Manager for Research and Innovation David Eyre, Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews and Liverpool City Council Mayor Wendy Waller.