5 November 2013 Challenges to food industry for feeding the world

Finding innovative ways to utilise waste, a greater focus on consumer driven research, and increased Government investment are just some of the challenges facing the food industry in New Zealand according to Lincoln University’s Professor of Food Science, Charles Brennan.

Professor Brennan was speaking as part of the Foods for Now and the Future Forum held at Lincoln University last week. The forum was arranged by the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science and the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology.

On the subject of wastage in food production and consumption he noted that some 50% of packaged salad greens and 40% of bread and cereals may be discarded in some countries around the world. However, utilising smarter production methods and taking a more innovative approach when it comes to wastage could mean up to one billion people could be fed worldwide.

“Some 17% of the world’s population is considered undernourished. Not only that, in order to meet the consumption demands of a rapidly growing world population, we will need a 60% increase in agricultural production by weight by 2050. As such, researching new ways to limit or use waste from food production would have real benefit. In itself, it will dramatically improve our ability to feed the world’s population. However, it will also mean considerably less pressure on a finite landmass when it comes to the question of intensifying farming practices.

“At a more local and commercial level, if we are able to reprocess food waste material or extract bio-active compounds from primary production waste streams we will be able to create value-added ingredients for health based food and nutrition. Research in this field is directly in line with the Government’s national science challenges,” says Professor Brennan.

Professor Brennan believes that greater applied research is required to translate technical and theoretical research into products that consumers want and can use.  Lincoln University has gone some way along this road by reforming its Bachelor of Science in Food Science, and, significantly, introducing a new Master of Science in Food Innovation degree. The University has also recently launched the Centre for Food Research and Innovation.

Be that as it may, Professor Brennan believes the South Island needs an increase in Government investment in pilot plant facilities; especially considering the South Island contributes up to 40% of New Zealand’s food production.

“Such investment is important because it more accurately reflects the South Island’s contribution and relevance to food production in New Zealand and lends itself to diversification of our exports streams. Arguably, there has been an over-reliance on milk-based foods. Diversification is important,” says Professor Brennan.

Lincoln University has also been the South Island home to the New Zealand Food Innovation Network. The objectives of the network are to facilitate knowledge sharing between regional hubs, research and education providers and businesses. The network provides information and advice to government as well as playing a facilitation role for international businesses looking to tap into New Zealand’s food development capabilities.

According to Professor Brennan, however, in order to maximise the potential for the New Zealand food industry, capital investment is required by the government into the South Island arm of the network.

“Government delays in committing capital investment have seen a notable number of businesses approaching Lincoln University to use our research and development facilities. Many have also signalled their commitment to locate their own research and development sections close to the University,” he said.

“Collaboration between government, academia and the food industry is crucial to the success of New Zealand’s future. Capital investment into a new South Island pilot plant for the New Zealand Food Innovation Network will greatly enhance South Island innovation, the economic redevelopment of Christchurch, and the long term stability of New Zealand.”