The entire Darling Downs region stands to gain much from the opportunities offered by the Asian Century.
Australia has a hard-earned reputation for delivering high-quality, premium products and while the demand in China and broader Asia is undeniable, there is some work to be done in securing supply chains if it is to take full advantage of the economic potential sitting on our doorstep.
That’s according to general manager Food Leaders Australia, Jo Sheppard, who will be a guest panelist at Queensland Country Life’s Grow Queensland forum in Toowoomba next week.
Ms Sheppard said research shows that new and emerging markets in Asia, while still maintaining some bulk commodity demand, are increasingly looking for clean, green and safe food products.
Ms Sheppard says this provides our agricultural sector with a very real opportunity for value-adding products and services from a fresh perspective.
"Food Leaders Australia is a new initiative gaining significant momentum assisting food producers and processors to grow their capability to secure global opportunities and develop the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region as a competitive and viable food-hub," she said.
"It is an initiative of the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise supported by the University of Southern Queensland providing food and agribusinesses an innovative platform to develop new products, target new markets, reduce risks and lower the barriers for investment in new export opportunities to Asia and elsewhere.
"The undeniable value for food producers lies in managing the supply chain fully, including value-added processing Australia wherever possible giving the Asian consumer full confidence in the safety and quality of their food product.
"While the scale of demand for Australian food in Asia is very real and continues to grow, Australia’s supply capability is relatively limited.
Ms Sheppard said Food Leaders Australia is about supporting food producing and processing businesses and time positioning the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region as a leader in premium food production.
