A technique developed by researchers from the University of Western Australia could speed up the development of seeds, leading to more abundant pulse crops. [ + ]

Australian Grape & Wine has criticised FSANZ over its mandatory pregnancy warning labels for wine, as they could cost the wine industry thousands. [ + ]

With 60 speakers from nine countries, the provisional program for the biennial 2020 AIP Australasian Packaging Conference has now been released. [ + ]

Although the food and beverage index remains strong, Ai Group's Australian Performance of Business Index indicates a summer slump overall. [ + ]

Mungalli Creek Dairy's new $3 million facility will allow the business to process more milk, yoghurt and cheese, meaning more jobs for the Tropical North. [ + ]

Australian fruit and vegetable supplier Costa Group will use The Yield's Sensing+ solution to predict berry yields and optimise its farming operations. [ + ]

A team of researchers has developed a technique that can detect the presence of Salmonella in food in eight hours. [ + ]

A group of macadamia producers has relaunched under a new, grower-owned brand — Marquis Macadamias. [ + ]

Biosecurity Queensland has called in air support in its war against the biggest threat to Australia's $580 million banana industry. [ + ]

A $1 million support package for Queensland's beekeeping industry will fund the waiver for permit fees and provide free access to bee feed sugar. [ + ]

The third annial Beamex Users Group meeting will be held on 24–25 February 2020 and is free for all to attend. [ + ]

FSANZ is calling for comment on a proposal to develop processing standards for 'high-risk' horticulture including leafy vegies, melons and berries. [ + ]

Emerson is partnering with a Belgian-based brewery group to modernise a pilot brewery used to educate the digital workforce of the next generation of brewers. [ + ]

Researchers have found that freeze-dried berry powder can act as a stabiliser for ice cream, enabling it to keep its shape after reaching room temperature. [ + ]

Insect-based fat can be used as an alternative to butter in bakery products and one can hardly taste the difference in some circumstances, according to Belgium research. [ + ]