The University of Queensland’s new research Institute, the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), provided support for the inaugural New Rural Industries Australia (NRIA) Conference held last month.
NRIA is a national initiative implemented in 2009 by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and a group of rural industry leaders. The goal of NRIA is to foster an innovative future for Australia’s diverse agricultural and food industry groups.
Director of QAAFI, Professor Robert Henry, said initiatives such as QAAFI and NRIA not only aim to bolster the strength of our rural and food industries, they also aim to put the importance of these industries back on the ‘radar’ to attract investment in two of Australia’s most vital commodities – food and fibre.
“The NIRA Conference covered some of the most relevant issues facing our rural industries today and provided an ideal environment for networking,” Professor Henry said.
“NRIA recognises the value in Australia’s new and emerging agricultural industries, which are estimated to be around $1 billion, and aims to support industries in their efforts to maximise their potential, tackle issues such as climate change and the varying needs of a complex world economy.
“QAAFI, with the support of the Queensland Government, provides world-class research to ensure an innovative future for Queensland’s tropical and subtropical agriculture and food industries.”
Professor Henry along with several other QAAFI scientists attended NRIA 2010, which was held between 28 to 30 November 2010 at Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast. QAAFI also organised a display booth in the exhibit area.
About QAAFI
Launched on 21 October, 2010, the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) is an Institute of The University of Queensland and was formed through an alliance between UQ and the Queensland Government.
The Institute brings together UQ and the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) scientists from across the areas of plant, animal and food sciences.
Media: Robert Henry (07 3346 0551)
