Sustainable food and agriculture

The production of high-quality crops, foods and plant-based medicines is critical for food security, health and wellbeing, and the environment.

La Trobe researchers develop cutting edge methods to improve capability and capacity, to secure a sustainable agricultural and food production future. Our researchers do this by working in partnership with primary producers, the food industry and government.

Goal:

Production of high-quality foods and medicines for improved health, reduced environmental impact and enhanced economies​.

Our priorities are to:

Enhance crop yield and quality

Our researchers produce plants and soils with characteristics which increase crop yield, along with resilience, quality, productivity and profitability.

Create plant-based medicines

Our researchers use medicinal plants and biotechnology to develop safe and sustainable natural product therapeutics.

Develop innovative farming practices

Our researchers are evolving sustainable agricultural practices to increase viability and biodiversity, and to enhance agribusinesses and regional communities, while maintaining soil health and ecosystems.

Our latest research

Legume genetic discovery could improve soil quality, crop growth

Legume genetic discovery could improve soil quality, crop growth

A genetic “off switch” that shuts down the process in which legume plants convert atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients has been identified for the first time by a team of international scientists, led by La Trobe University researchers.

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Hi-tech glasshouse to boost global food security

Hi-tech glasshouse to boost global food security

A multi-million dollar state-of-the-art glasshouse will help Australia’s farmers understand how to produce crops more sustainably and at a lower cost, providing greater global food security.

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Discovery: ferns produce crop-saving insecticide

Discovery: ferns produce crop-saving insecticide

Structure solved of a novel insecticidal protein effective in protecting major crop plants from pests.

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No appetite for vegetarian diet to help the planet

No appetite for vegetarian diet to help the planet

Social media users believe reducing and eliminating meat intake is ineffective in addressing climate change.

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Natural Capital unlocks key to performance

Natural Capital unlocks key to performance

La Trobe University researchers and partners have developed a tool that enables farmers and industry to unlock the value of natural capital and use it to their advantage.

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New institute to tackle nation's food security

New institute to tackle nation's food security

La Trobe University is paving the way for Australian food security, with the establishment of a new institute that will expand cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation.

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Discover real impact in Sustainable food and agriculture

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