ADVANCED MANUFACTURING , AGRIBUSINESS AND THE CONSUMER :
HOW THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY CAN DRIVE PRODUCTION AND ADD VALUE TO LOCAL ECONOMIES
Julie McAlpin , RDA Sydney
“ IF YOU EAT YOU ARE A PARTNER IN FARMING ”. A POPULAR CATCH CRY OF MANY FARMING ORGANISATIONS IN THE LATE 1980 ’ S . BACK THEN FOOD OFFERINGS IN AUSTRALIA WERE , WELL LET ’ S SAY , LESS DIVERSE THAN THE RANGE OF ARTISAN PRODUCTS ON OFFER TODAY . BACK THEN QUINOA , BUCKWHEAT , AND CHIA WERE NOT COMMON HOUSEHOLD NAMES ; AND SMASHED AVOCADO INFUSED WITH FINGER LIME DRESSING TOPPED WITH MICROGREENS ON SOURDOUGH WASN ’ T ‘ A THING ’. YOU MAY RECALL THAT A CERTAIN DEMOGRAPHER INFERRED YOUNG PEOPLE COULD AFFORD TO PURCHASE PROPERTY IF THEY STOPPED EATING OUT AT ‘ HIPSTER CAFES ’.
We have come a long way since the 1980s .
The ag-tech industry , or what Austrade promotes as Agriculture 4.0 , is tipped to be Australia ’ s next $ 100 billion industry enabled by cloud analytics , big data and artificial intelligence . The use of drones , robotic harvesting and autonomous vehicles alongside new advances in food production and manufacturing means we are able to increase production , meet global demands , enjoy a diverse range of fresh food all year round and satisfy changing consumer trends . ( 1 )
New modes of food production and agribusinesses are evolving from the convergence of advance manufacturing processes and smart technologies delivering greater efficiencies and adding value every step of the way .
The multiplier effect extends across every region of the country creating local jobs , contributing to place making and the social fabric and wellbeing of local communities .
Agriculture 4.0 is designed perfectly to drive a circular economy and creates a story that the community and decision makers ought to hear .
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY & FOOD PRODUCTION SYSTEMS A circular economy is one in which the objective is to minimise waste and extract maximum value from precious resources . In some respects , synthetic circular systems strive to mimic natural biological cycles .
Defined as a closed loop system , as opposed to a linear system , where resources are consumed and tossed away , circular systems limit waste and through recycling , or reuse keep resources in the system for as long as possible .
The waste management industry , for example is underpinned and propelled by circular economy principles . Resource recovery and the market mechanisms for recycled paper , plastic and glass are well understood ; and now , interest and investment in food waste is starting to take root .
This is important because food waste is a growing problem . Around 25 % of food produced is wasted before it leaves the farm costing the industry millions every year . ( 2 )
Investment in new sustainable food production is on the rise . Smart systems of farming are being configured to design out waste and maximise productivity . This is good news because according to the Ellen
VOL 13 NO 2 2020 16 www . edaustralia . com . au