Opportunity
The global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, fuelling the demand for protein.
As a major producer and exporter of protein, we can capitalise on this demand by capturing high value, high margin export market opportunities, in the process building our sovereign manufacturing capability and creating new jobs. Australia's food industry is well placed to develop novel, differentiated protein products that meet the requirements and changing dietary patterns of the modern health- and welfare-conscious consumer.
Potential impact
Capturing high-growth global protein markets
- New jobs in agribusiness, food processing and advanced biomanufacturing; new industries for regional Australia
- Development of sovereign manufacturing capability to deliver food security
- Access to growing export markets
- Sustainable use of natural resources; a decreased environmental footprint; and reduction in food and agricultural waste
- Optimised nutrition to meet the needs of the future consumer.
Proposed focus
What we will achieve
- Plant protein for new markets: with an initial focus on plant crops, the mission will take a whole of value chain approach and support a fundamental shift from commodity to high value protein products.
- Sustainable animal protein production: the mission will protect and grow Australia’s traditional high value protein industries of livestock and aquaculture. With sustainability as a driver, we will deliver novel healthy feeds and premium protein foods for export markets.
- Novel protein production systems: the mission will develop new protein-based business recovery opportunities and build resilience in regional Australia. From microbes such as yeast through to insects that can create wealth from waste, we will transform low or no value side-streams through advanced biomanufacturing.
Proposed plan
Initial milestones
Year 1: connected collaborative protein ecosystem, protein tech and prototypes.
Year 3: enhanced sustainability; value-added products and industry growth.
Year 5: realised economic potential and improved health of Australians and our environment.
Collaborators
Building it together
We are collaborating across government, industry and academia. Our vision of industry transformation will only be achieved through a coherent, collaborative network spanning the Australian innovation ecosystem. We invite others to join us help Australia grow its protein industry by $10b by 2027.