Workshop reveals native foods poised for cash crops
A native foods workshop at CQUniversity Rockhampton will share new research highlighting practical and medicinal uses of Indigenous plants, and opportunities to commercialise a range of local crops.
The all-day event on Tuesday 25 June 2024 will highlight the long-known benefits of native foods within Australian Indigenous communities, and unrealised potential for more widespread use in Australia.
Native Foods: Unveiling Commercial Value Opportunities is free to attend, and held at CQU’s Central Queensland Innovation and Research Precinct (CQIRP) on 630 Ibis Ave, Kawana.
CQUniversity Lecturer in Medical Science Dr Ryan du Preez is workshop co-chair, and said the exciting forum would provide practical advice.
“Our focus will be on a diverse array of native foods poised for commercial cultivation, aiming to propel them into economic viability,” Dr du Preez said.
Woorabinda-based Ghangalu Elder Uncle Steve Kemp will share his incredible knowledge of the practical and medicinal uses of plants within his community, and new findings from his research with CQUniversity’s Bioactive and Functional Foods Research Group.
The workshop will also highlight CQUniversity’s new native plant hub at CQIRP, founded with the planting of four Pittosporum angustifolium (Gumbi Gumbi) trees on Thursday 28 March 2024.
Last year, CQU PhD graduate Dr Janice Mani published exciting research exploring the potential health benefits of Gumbi Gumbi, Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum), as well as tuckeroo, bush cherry, and Illawarra plums.
CQU researchers also have ongoing projects assessing properties and uses for Native Australian ginger, Burdekin plums, tuckeroo, and native chillies, in partnerships with Native Plants Capricornia, Rockhampton Regional Council's Native Plant Program, and other local growers.
Other workshop speakers bring expertise in small to medium enterprise opportunities, and a keen interest in Central Queensland's native foods.
CQU Senior Lecturer in Science and workshop co-chair Dr Mani Naiker said the workshop was relevant to a broad range of growers, business people, investors and interested locals.
“This is a unique opportunity to explore the myriad benefits of investing in these Indigenous resources, spotlighting their potential to ignite fresh business ventures not only within First Nations communities but also across wider demographics,” he said.
The workshop is supported by CQU’s School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences with the Deputy Dean Research, and led by CQUniversity’s Bioactive and Functional Foods Research Group.
The workshop is from 8am until 5pm, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided.
Register to attend Native Foods: Unveiling Commercial Value Opportunities here.
For more information, please contact Dr Ryan du Preez via email r.dupreez@cqu.edu.au or Dr Mani Naiker m.naiker@cqu.edu.au.
