Boosting plant-based protein manufacturing in regional NSW

During the AltProteins 25 conference in Sydney in October, the NSW Government launched a prospectus aimed at metropolitan and international food manufacturers.

Demand for plant-based protein in the domestic and global food market is rapidly growing. That’s one of the reasons why the NSW Government has developed a prospectus designed to encourage food manufacturers to consider regional NSW as a base for their operations — harvesting economic benefits and boosting the plant-based protein sector in the process.

“We’re seeing a major shift in how people think about food, from what they eat to how it’s produced. This is being driven by multiple factors, including changing dietary needs, and increasing awareness of health, sustainability and climate in response to future population growth,” said University of Sydney Professor of Legume Biology and Molecular Genetics Brent Kaiser.

“By 2050, we’ll need to increase global agricultural crop calorie production by around 47–61% just to keep up. That’s a huge pressure point on the production of sustainable protein sources — the development of plant-based protein foods offers a big part of the solution.”

Regional NSW produces millions of tonnes of plant protein crops each year, offering ideal conditions for manufacturers with strong market access, a skilled workforce and world-class research.

Ben Furney Flour Mills CEO Sarah Furney said: “Regional centres like Dubbo, where we produce flour and specialty milled products, offer the perfect environment for innovation and growth in the plant-based protein manufacturing space.

“With immediate access to grain supply, skilled labour and transport infrastructure, it’s benefits like these that make regional NSW an ideal base for advanced food manufacturing and allow businesses like ours to compete in a growing market.”

“Looking to the future, Ben Furney Flour Mills is investing in cutting-edge packaging and warehouse systems, expanding its Textured Vegetable Protein product line and continuing to grow its regional workforce.

“With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and export growth, the company is positioning itself as a pioneer in alternative proteins and value-added food manufacturing.”

Competitive advantages associated with regional NSW have been highlighted in the prospectus, including:

• Access to premium raw commodities suitable for plant-based protein food and beverage manufacturing with the ability to scale and meet growing demand
• Consumer market access, with regional NSW ideally positioned and able to deliver goods to 81% of Australia’s domestic market overnight
• Skilled workforce with relevant educational backgrounds, export-ready ports and affordable industrial land
• Research and development ecosystem that actively encourages collaboration between researchers across universities, DPIRD, CSIRO, government and agribusiness

Five key regions have also been identified as being particularly suited to plant-based protein manufacturing: Riverina Murray, New England North West, Central West Orana, North Coast and Hunter Central Coast.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said: “With more than 4500 food and beverage manufacturing businesses and high-quality research and development facilities, we have the skills and the infrastructure to turn high-quality crops into premium plant-based protein products.

“Regional NSW offers the ideal combination of resources and advantages, from efficient transport networks and export-ready ports to skilled workforces and affordable industrial land, creating a compelling case for investors and manufacturers.

“This prospectus is about building on those strengths to grow jobs, drive innovation and ensure NSW captures its share of a rapidly expanding global market for healthy, sustainable food.”

Developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in partnership with Investment NSW, the prospectus also showcases government programs supporting industry growth, innovation and streamlined approvals for investors. For more information and to download the prospectus, visit: https://www.investregional.nsw.gov.au/pbpm.

Image credit: iStock.com/Aamulya