Innovative Project Seeks to Transform Food Waste into ‘Restaurant-Quality’ Meals

To address the vulnerability of Northern Australia’s food supply chain, which heavily relies on deliveries from southern states and was highlighted by a recent freight train derailment in Katherine, new technologies are being explored to repurpose by-products that would otherwise go to waste or offer minimal economic benefits to farmers. In an effort to bolster the region’s food supply, Charles Darwin University (CDU) in the Northern Territory has initiated a project focused on utilising novel food processing technologies to transform low-value products from the meat, seafood, and vegetable industries into shelf-ready meals.

The project at CDU’s Northern Australia Food Technology Innovation (NAFTI) aims to process various products, including ready-made meals like buffalo curries, snacks like dried mangoes, health products, and even pet food. According to Dr. Warren Hunt, the project manager of NAFTI, establishing processing facilities in Darwin will create new economic opportunities for farmers by harnessing the potential value of produce that is currently considered low-grade or of no value.

Dr. Hunt also highlighted the importance of enhancing food security in the region, particularly during natural disasters that can disrupt main transport routes. By repurposing by-products locally, the project aims to ensure a more resilient food supply chain for Northern Australia. Paul Burke, the chief executive of the NT Farmers Association, emphasised the significance of minimising food waste and maximising growers’ profits.

Addressing food waste is crucial, as significant resources are invested in growing crops that may not make it to store shelves. By finding innovative ways to utilise more of the crop throughout the year, farmers can maximise their returns and reduce costly waste. The CDU project holds the potential to provide a sustainable solution that benefits both farmers and the region’s food supply chain.