Funding feeds the next generation of foods

Australia's leading food researchers will invest new Victorian government funding to develop the next generation of potentially revolutionary food processing technologies.

Victoria's Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, recently announced a $3.5 million boost to the work of researchers from Food Science Australia, the University of Melbourne, Swinburne University of Technology and CSIRO Plant Industry. The funding is part of the Science, Technology and Innovation Initiative administered by the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.

The grant will be used to establish the Advanced Processing and Innovative Foods Program.

"This is a great opportunity to advance food processing technologies with the potential to benefit Australia's food industry and economy, as well as consumers and the environment," says the Director of the Innovative Foods Centre, Dr Kees Versteeg.

"Scientists at the Centre investigate non-thermal food processing technologies like ultra-high pressure and high-power ultrasonics. This new program will broaden the research scope to include microwave technology, advanced separation technologies, ingredient functionality and food architecture."

Theme Director at Food Science Australia, Dr Geoffrey Smithers says the growth potential for global functional foods markets - now valued at in excess of $50 billion - is undeniable.