Project to solve food problems

A $4 million project will use university knowledge, skills and research to tackle issues holding back food production in the Goulburn Valley.

The University of Melbourne will lead the collaborative venture, designed to enhance the Hume region’s agri-food businesses and deliver economic value to the area.

Based in Shepparton, NorVicFoods has been established using $2.7 million funding from the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund and $1.3 million from the University of Melbourne.

NorVicFoods executive manager Greg Harper said students across all disciplines at the university could

become involved in short-term internships with local food companies to tackle challenges in food production.

The university will also use its research and knowledge resources to assist with industry projects.

Modelling has shown up to 87 jobs could be created by successful projects in those companies.

The university has begun advertising for companies in the agri-food sector to contact NorVicFoods to seek support to solve an innovation challenge.

Mr Harper said the issues could be around things like managing digital information generated by on-farm sensors, or tackling the complex areas of milk transport and collection from dairy farms.

“We are wanting to hear from industry about where there might be road blocks in development or opportunities for innovation.”

Up to 30 student internships could be created to apply expertise to local businesses.

Mr Harper, who has a science background but works in business development for the university, will be interim executive manager. He said the university would soon advertise for a regional person to move into the position.

The NorVicFoods office is currently located with the Committee for Greater Shepparton office, but Mr Harper expects they will expand into other premises.

Drawing on knowledge and expertise within the university, the project will bring together research and innovation in science, technology and engineering, with the aim of building skills in the region and increasing economic prosperity.

Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Dean, Professor John Fazakerley, said the NorVicFoods venture allowed University of Melbourne knowledge, expertise and facilities to be applied to provide real-world solutions for Goulburn Valley region producers that will benefit the economy, the consumer and everyone in between.

The project is supported by a three-year strategic partnership between the university and Sensand Technologies, which will contribute $600,000 in-kind towards the project.

Custom solutions will be built around one or a combination of research, development, extension, technology transfer and targeted training.

Information on how to apply for support is available on the NorVicFoods website.