Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation

High impact science for sustainable agriculture and safe, nutritious food

By 2050, some 50 per cent of the world’s population and close to 60% of the world’s children are expected to reside in the Tropics.

With the world population on track to exceed 9 billion by 2050, food production will need to increase by 70% to meet demand.The ability of the agricultural and food industries across the supply chain to adapt, innovate and form successful collaborations is vital to support a strong and prosperous Australia with sustainable food security.

QAAFI is a partnership between the Queensland Government and The University of Queensland, which draws together a diverse critical mass of resources and infrastructure to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing Queensland’s tropical and subtropical food, fibre and agri-business industries.

Our unique combination of science and technology, and a tropical and subtropical environment, means that Queensland is the natural leader in this area of science globally. 

In Africa, where almost a third of the world’s hungriest people live, climate unpredictability could hit agricultural output by up to 30% by the end of the century.

Research Impact content
Food systems and the bioeconomy: Revitalising agriculture for the 21st century
The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened our focus on food – whether it be due to concerns relating to supply chain integrity, the viability of rural communities, or a rediscovery of home-cooking during lock-down.
Portable chemistry kit sweetens native bush fruit production
Indigenous communities can now assess the quality and sweetness of their wild-harvested native bush fruits in the field, rather than sending samples off to food science laboratories.
Researchers smash avocado production bottleneck
If you enjoy avocado on your toast in the morning, you will soon be thanking University of Queensland researchers for keeping up the supply of your favourite breakfast fare.
Wagyu beef passes the taste test of science
The unique flavour, texture and aroma of Australia’s famous Wagyu beef can now be marketed using a world-first flavour profile.
Post-Pandemic brave new world of agriculture
Robots working in abattoirs, sky-high vertical farms, more gene-edited foods in our supermarkets and automated farming systems could all help guarantee food supply in the next pandemic.
Plum pickings: ancient fruit ripe for modern plates
An Indigenous fruit which is one of the earliest known plant foods eaten in Australia could be the next big thing in the bush foods industry.
Beefing up against cattle disease
UQ researchers have developed a vaccine that could slash the devastating impact of Bovine Respiratory Disease on cattle and the beef industry.
Breeding sorghum for growth
UQ researchers are using genetics to revolutionise the Australian sorghum industry, increasing both yields and profits for growers.
Producing uniquely Australian foods
Thanks to a new collaboration involving researchers from across UQ, Australian bush tucker could soon be found in kitchens around the world.
Spray-on protection
UQ scientists have joined forces to develop a breakthrough that has the potential to bolster global food security.
Choosing life before career no barrier to success
UQ's Dr Barbara George-Jaeggli writes about the importance of a good support network, and the changes needed so parents don't have to choose between career and caring.
The tree of shelf-life
A food scientist from UQ is working with Indigenous communities to unlock a lucrative industry – using Kakadu plum to extend the storage life of food.
Growing ideas for a better future
UQ is leading a vital agricultural partnership between research institutions and industry to increase efficiency in crop plant breeding, ultimately helping to overcome global food shortages.
Safeguarding our future food supply
To celebrate Research Week 2018, UQ is proud to share how UQ research is creating change, right across the world, every day. Find out how our researchers are collaborating with research partners both in Australia and abroad to protect our future food supply.
Together as one
According to English poet John Donne in 1624, “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main…” Swap the word ‘man’ for ‘human’ or ‘organisation’ and this is the philosophy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a powerful philanthropic group that seeks to reduce inequity in the world.
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Email: qaafi@uq.edu.au
Tel: +61 7 3346 0552
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