Issue 14, April/May 2013
Australian Bush Spices Therapeutic antibodies from alpaca ISSN-6008
Hazlenuts crack new market Australian goat meat exports surge
Inside
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A word from the Editor................................................................... 05
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NEWS:
Cider body to expand...................................................................... 06 North Coast mecca for growing fine coffee........................... 06 ACCC could enforce compulsory supermarket code of conduct................................................................................................. 06 Australian goat meat exports surge.......................................... 07 Hazelnuts crack new market......................................................... 07
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Tea Tree oil ‘no threat to antibiotics’.......................................... 09
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Protecting young lambs with donkeys or alpacas................ 11
PROFILE:
AUSTRALIAN BUSH SPICES.............................................................12 Scott Foster of Byron Bay
COLLABORATION:
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Therapeutic antibodies from alpaca: a new market opportunity..........................................................................................14 The growing alpaca industry.........................................................15 1
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The magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 4 June/July 2011
16 Global “Worming” Irrigation practices & systems Agritourism: Connecting communities
contents
ISSN 1838-6016
Producing a product successfully
R&D for new rural industries adding value through the supply chain Southern Cross Plant Science provides expertise and facilities for crop science, horticulture and forestry: Agronomy • Plant nutrition • Plant and soil mineral analysis • Plant propagation – High quality growth and controlled environment facilities – AQIS registered plant importation – Partnerships for grow-out trials and data analysis Genetic selection and intervention • Molecular markers and genomics supporting breeding and selection • Identifying and introducing novel traits
Germplasm choice • Exploring and exploiting genetic diversity – Optimising quality – trait characterisation – Cultivar differentiation – matching cultivar to growing environment • Native crop characterisation End-use properties • Analytical phytochemistry – TGA licensed – Active compounds, authentication, stability testing • Physical testing of raw materials • Pilot scale extraction facility • Human and livestock nutrition
Working with you to improve plants and other natural products Southern Cross University is a regional university with campuses at Lismore, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast. The University is active in teaching and research aimed at promoting the development of primary agricultural production, rural economies and agribusiness. This includes cultivated and native plants, forestry, fisheries and other marine products.
Contact us at W: scu.edu.au/scps E: research.scps@scu.edu.au and/or graham.king@scu.edu.au T: 02 6620 3356 SCU2024
Do you grow or sell wildflowers as cut-flowers? • Get connected. • Improve yield and returns. • Network with others. • Develop the market. • Stay informed. WildFlowers Australia Ltd is the industry body for wildflowers. We exist to build the industry and help all on the supply chain. www.wildflowersaustralia.com.au
Australian TRUFFLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION
The voice of the industry STANDARDS QUALITY INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
Soft, warm, lightweight, luxurious fibre 12 natural fleece colours - no dying required Soft padded feet minimize damage to soils For more information visit our website:
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Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013
A word from the editor I have recently had the opportunity to work closely with the Australian truffle industry. The passion, dedication and hard work displayed by those I have met never ceases to amaze me. Like any new rural industry, the hurdles and challenges can be quiet significant, but where there is a determination and an intention to both grow and market a product , it is amazing what can be achieved. In the last 4 years, a regional festival was launched in the Canberra Region by a handful of growers who have a vision to make the Capital region the premiere destination for truffles in Australia. That festival has grown and grown in scope and size every year, and that vision is now becoming a reality. An event program, that centers around collaboration with the hospitality and tourist industry, had more than 30 restaurants, hotels and other retail outlets involved last year. And 2013 is going to be even larger. A survey done of persons that attended the events and activities last year (which span a full 5 weeks in mid winter) was full of compliments and plans to return this year to explore more of truffles and the region. For me, I find it really heartening to see how a new and emerging industry has not only found their foothold in the area, but is also now working to collaborate and work closely with other industries to integrate the local truffle industry with the Canberra regional food industry, to add value and bring in more business for all, with a taste of mid-winter magic.
COVER Photo:
Scott Foster’s Australian Bush Spices - see profile article page 12.
Passion to Profit
the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia ISSN 1838-6008
Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia, is published online every three months, free of charge. It is sent directly to subscribers and members of New Rural Industries Australia as well as to new rural industry peak bodies and allied industries. Subscription
and Membership to NRIA available at www.nria.org.au. All rights reserved. New Rural Industries Australia Level 27, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000, Australia. Advertising: For advertising rate card contact and all ad bookings, email advertising@nria.org.au. Editor: Lana Mitchell. lana@nria.org.au
Truffles are not competition for other outlets, but are instead driving business in for all. We will certainly be bringing you news on the 2013 Festival and also a grower profile, in the June/July issue of Passion to Profit.
Editorial Contributions are welcome and should be emailed to the editor.
And another great success story is featured in this current issue. Scott Foster of Australian Bush Spices is a perfect example of a passionate individual who is determined to produce and market a high quality new product. It is for stories like Scott’s, that I love putting this magazine together.
ISSN 18380-6016 (On-line)
Enjoy the magazine! Lana Mitchell Editor lana@nria.org.au
Designer: Cheryl Zwart of Orphix Publisher: Get communicating Pty Ltd for New Rural Industries Australia Copyright: No material published in Passion to Profit may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the New Rural Industries Australia. Disclaimer: The publisher reserves the right to refuse any application considered inappropriate. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the written permission of New Rural Industries Australia. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within the magazine, the publisher, printer and their agents cannot accept responsibility for error or omission. Views held by contributors are their own and do not necessarily coincide with those of the publisher or editor.
Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013 5
Cider body to expand Cider Australia is expanding as a result of unprecedented growth in the industry across the country. The body representing cider producers believes there is a real need to manage this growth and the interests of cider makers and orchardists across Australia. As a result, it will appoint an inaugural executive officer to ensure the industry is adequately represented. Cider Australia President James Kendell said the position has been created, with an announcement expected soon. The new role would assist the volunteer body, which has also undergone an expansion with the election of two new Vice Presidents, Sam Reid, from Willie Smith’s Organic Cidery in Tasmania, along with Sean Prendergast, from Bilpin Cider in NSW. ``Cider now makes up almost 4% of the Australian alcohol market, employing a significant number of people around Australia directly and indirectly. We feel there is a clear need for a body to represent the needs of those in the industry and beyond,’’ Mr Kendell said. Cider Australia has a number of issues to tackle this year. Mr Kendell said the key issue was to develop a clear framework for classifying products within the industry, focussing on the raw materials used in production. The continuation of the Wine Equalisation Tax system, designed to support Australian agricultural producers, was also of paramount importance, he said. ``We believe there needs to be a clearly defined category structure to ensure those producers who support Australian agriculture and Australian orchards are in-turn supported by a fair tax system,’’ he said.
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North Coast mecca for growing fine coffee
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The North Coast continues to be a mecca for growing fine coffee, with local coffee labels Mackellar Range and Coffee Lush recently awarded silver at the annual Golden Bean coffee roasting competition.
grown at Haywards Ridge in the Hogarth Range in the upper Richmond Valley. “It’s genuinely rewarding to be acknowledged as a standout coffee producer at the Golden Bean awards, which are our version of the coffee Olympics,” coffee grower and roaster Craig Hayward said. “As a family business, we are directly involved in all aspects of coffee growing, from planting, harvest, processing, drying, roasting and packaging to marketing. Awards of this nature also help to reinforce the fact that the North Coast of New South Wales is an ideal environment to grow world-class coffee. Source: The Chronicle
ACCC could enforce compulsory supermarket code of conduct The Federal Government says it will move to ensure supermarkets deal fairly with suppliers and farmers by considering a compulsory code of conduct. Coles and Woolworths have been in discussions on a voluntary code with the National Farmers Federation and Food and Grocery Council. Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury says the government prefers a voluntary code but could pursue a mandatory code if current negotiations fail to produce a meaningful document. The former National Farmers Federation President Jock Laurie welcomes the move, saying a mandatory code would need to be backed by financial penalties. “I don’t think there’s any doubt that farmers would like to see retailers sitting under strong regulations, so they know how to operate,” he said. “But if they do breach those and they’re found to breach those under the ACCC, then the ACCC will use all its might to prosecute in those circumstances.” Source: ABC Radio
The Golden Bean is the world’s largest coffee roasting competition, with 1100 entries in 2012. Both labels took out a silver award in the prestigious “Australian Milk” category, building on the success of 2011 where they were awarded gold and two silvers. Coffee Lush and Mackellar Range are single-origin coffees, sourced from coffee beans Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013
Australian goat meat exports surge in 2012 Australian goat meat exports during 2012 totalled 29,094 tonnes, surging 12% year-on-year and up 31% on the five-year average, according to Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) statistics. The US remained the major market for Australian goat meat, receiving 16,078 tonnes, up 6% on 2011 levels and 28% on the five-year average, continuing the steady growth registered in recent years. Taiwan has been a consistent market for Australian goat meat and was again the second largest market in 2012. Exports for the year totalled 3,968 tonnes, up 1% year-on-year and 4% on the five-year average. Shipments to Canada soared 30% year-on-year in 2012, reaching 2,038 tonnes, which was up significantly (48%) on the five-year average. Jamaica also received increased volumes in 2012, up 16% from the previous year, reaching 854 tonnes. The growing demand for protein in south Asian markets was highlighted by Malaysia (1,537 tonnes swt) and China (374 tonnes swt) receiving considerably greater volumes in 2012, up 199% and 903% year-on-year, respectively.
is designed for export to China and India. One million trees have already been planted, but the project is short of pollenizer trees. Project leaders contacted peak industry body Hazelnut Growers of Australia for help. Hazelnut Growers of Australia president Vanessa Cox said the sale of nuts from single cultivars was of particular interest to small growers who handharvest, or large growers with young trees where the yield does not yet justify mechanical pick-up. ``The Mountain Hazelnut Venture will pay for the full cost of the collection program–value of the nuts plus any additional work entailed in collecting from single trees, packing, clearances and shipping,’’ Ms Cox said. Organisers are hoping to receive two tonnes of hazelnuts. ``The Venture leaders are aware that Australian grown hazelnut attracts premium price,’’ Mrs Cox said. ``The Venture will also reward participating growers for the additional effort of collecting and handling nuts from individual cultivars.’’ Mountain Hazelnut Venture head of agricultural operations Sean Watson will come to Australia in mid-March to arrange collection and payment of participating growers. Source: Weekly Times
The majority of goat shipped in 2012 was carcase (28,001 tonnes), accounting for 96% of shipments, while leg (271 tonnes) accounted for 1%. The US received 55% of goat carcases in 2012, while Taiwan received 14% and Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and Malaysia received 7%, 6%, and 5% respectively. Source: MLA
Bhutan is seeking Australian hazelnuts for a reforestation program, and is willing to pay big dollars. With local hazelnut harvest about to start, a rare opportunity has emerged for growers to obtain a premium for undried nuts and to help one of the world’s poorest nations. The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is seeking 400,000 nuts from Australian hazelnut growers for its Mountain Hazelnut Venture. The nuts will be shipped to Bhutan for germination and planting as pollenizers. The company chose hazelnuts as the ideal species to colonise Bhutan’s denuded mountain slopes, contain erosion and provide sorely needed income to subsistence farmers. The eventual crop
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Hazelnuts crack new market
Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013 7
Full Membership is open to producers and distributors of essential oils and plant extracts and to producers of plant material for the production of essential oils or plant extracts. Associate membership is for researchers, consultants, regulators and other interested parties.
www.eopaa.com.au
For more information please contact mohair@mohair.org.au
National Peak Body representing the
Olive Industry The Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA) supports and promotes the responsible use of pure Australian tea tree oil. Formed in 1986, ATTIA is the peak body for the Australian tea tree oil industry. Stay informed about pure Australian tea tree oil. Phone: 02 6674 2925
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of Australia Stay informed about the Australian Olive Industry Visit our website to find out more
fresher tastes www.australianolives.com.au
Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013
Tea tree oil ‘no threat to antibiotics’ Therapeutic concentrations of tea tree oil have been shown to have broad spectrum anti-bacterial properties in laboratory studies . The researchers, led by Dr Christine Carson from the University of Western Australia, investigated previous reports that suggested exposure to low levels of tea tree oil may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Their findings are published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. “The balance of evidence seems to suggest you can’t make bacteria resistant to tea tree oil and you can’t make bacteria more resistant to antibiotics by exposing them to tea tree oil,” says Carson. Therapeutic concentrations containing 5 per cent tea tree oil, an aromatic oil extracted from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifloria, have been shown to have broad spectrum antibacterial properties in laboratory studies. But the presence of many personal care and cosmetic products on the market, which contain up to 2 per cent tea tree oil, has led to concerns of resistance not only to tea tree oil itself, but also to other antibiotics. “[Tea tree oil] is available in many over the counter and supermarket products like soaps, detergents, deodorants, washing powders, disinfectants and things that you can apply to wounds where tea tree oil may or may not be the active ingredient but it’s still in there in low concentrations,” says Carson.
was highly successful in both preventing lice infestations and killing blowfly maggot larvae. Dr Peter James from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), who was the study’s lead researcher, said the effect tea tree oil had on lice infestations was particularly encouraging. The laboratory-based fly strike research used formulations consisting of 1 percent tea tree oil which reliably led to a 100 percent kill rate of first stage maggots. The research also demonstrated that tea tree oil had a strong repellent effect against adult flies, which prevented eggs being laid on the wool for up to six weeks. “Tea-tree oil could be effective as a preventative treatment for wounds caused by mulesing, tail docking or any wound likely to be struck. It has also been shown to have antibacterial properties and is suggested to have wound healing effects,” Dr James said. “Getting the formulation exactly right is vital and it’s something that will require more research. It’s not as simple as mixing tea tree oil with water and applying it to your sheep; it’s a complex and exact science. More research needs to be conducted before we can definitively say that tea tree oil is a viable treatment for fly strike and lice infestations however these initial findings are very encouraging.” Source: Queensland Country Life
The research was funded by a grant from the Australian Government’s Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and two tea tree oil manufacturers. Source: ABC Science
Tea tree oil beats fly strike and sheep lice The war against fly strike and lice infestations in sheep has taken a positive turn with new research showing that tea tree oil is very effective in treating both of the afflictions. The research, coordinated by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), found that tea tree oil
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“Sometimes when you use compounds that kill bacteria you can accidently increase their resistance to other unrelated antibiotics. But we’re confident that using tea tree oil doesn’t jeopardise the workings of current antibiotics,” she says.
Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013 9
Hardy buffalo soldiers on Yallunda Flat farmer Milton Stevens runs a small herd of buffalo as part of a mixed livestock enterprise on the Eyre Pennisula, South Australia. Think buffalo and the mind conjures up images of the wide, open water plains of the Northern Territory. While the majority of the nation’s roaming herd is concentrated at the Top End, they have been farmed in all states of Australia since the 1980s.
research officer in the Pastoral Production division of the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries Barry Lemcke is positive about the future of the industry. He released his Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation report on the state of the buffalo industry last July. The report outlines the large scope for increasing the buffalo dairy industry, particularly within the dairy cattle industry. He said buffalo – with their rich milk popular in cheese manufacturing – could enable dairy farmers to take on a new enterprise without having to alter existing infrastructure.
The primary interest in buffalo is for the dairy industry, and as an alternative meat source.
In Australia, there are five commercial buffalo dairies, with more developments on the cards. Buffalo meat is lower in fat and cholesterol, and higher in iron and zinc levels beef and is well suited for the smallgoods market.
South Australian representative of the Australian Buffalo Industry Council Milton Stevens farms a small herd of buffalo at Yallunda Flat, Eyre Peninsula. At the moment, he is only running 20 head on his property, but helps manage a herd of 300 near Port Lincoln for Victorian buffalo farmer and cheesemaker Roger Haladine.
Source: Stock Journal
Milton runs buffalo as part of a mixed livestock operation, including deer, cattle, goats and horses. He is also developing a market for treated buffalo hides, which he sells locally. In the past few years, he has supplied live buffalo for export to Japan for draft and breeding purposes. “Buffalo are far more intelligent than cattle and their metabolism is slower – they can cope with poorer quality feed,” Mr Stevens said. “It is a small, boutique market, but a steady market.” Milton enjoys running a diverse, mixed enterprise because it spreads risk and “keeps the job interesting”. In Southern Australia, the primary interest in buffalo is for the dairy industry. Buffalo milk commands twice the recovery value of dairy cows’ milk, though yields are lower. Buffalo and cattle
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Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013
Protecting young lambs with donkeys or alpacas Farmers have for some time used other animals as “guards” for their sheep flocks. While alpacas are the most common in Australia, American and Canadian farmers have a long history of using donkeys to protect their livestock. The Hume Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) and National Parks Khancoban are currently running a joint trial program using donkeys to protect sheep in areas with wild dog problems. Three jennys (female donkeys) are the first to be trialled and are being used on Robert and Sally Bulle’s property, “Ardrossan”, east of Holbrook NSW.
The donkeys are put into a paddock with 20 to 30 sheep to bond, with more sheep gradually introduced. One donkey is expected to be able to guard a mob of between 200 and 300 sheep. If the donkeys helped minimise stock losses from wild dogs, they may be alternated with llamas as herd guards. However, llamas tended to bond with another llama in a neighbouring paddock rather than the flock they were meant to guard, thus becoming less effective. The biggest obstacle to the trial was sourcing the donkeys, as they were usually only bred in Australia for showing and sold from anywhere between $2000 and $6000. It took eight months of searching to find the first three donkeys which were purchased for $400 each. In contrast, there is no shortage of alpacas available to buy with prices starting from $400. But as Rutherglen, Victoria, farmer Scott Francis found out, not every alpaca was suited for the task. Mr Francis currently uses 13 alpacas as herd guards, but when he first bought alpacas in 2003 he had one that was too domesticated, which he gave away as a pet. “I look for the bigger framed alpacas with sheer size and which are very cranky and a bit wild,” he said.
After Mr Francis pregnancy tests his ewes he puts the best protective alpacas with the twinning ewes. “I usually run them in pairs and rotate them, but there are a few males who run as singles,” he said. When new alpacas are brought onto the property, Mr Francis gives them a month to get to know the sheep. “They’re very possessive of the sheep, but they are gentle with them to the point that you’ll go down the paddock and the young lambs will be climbing on the alpacas and playing with them,” Mr Francis said. Bill and Annette Robbins, Traron Alpacas, Holbrook, started using alpacas as herd guards to protect their flocks from wild dogs at Tallangatta, Victoria, 23 years ago. Mr Robbins said barren females or castrated males usually made the best herd guards. According to Mr Robbins, alpacas can protect against wild dogs provided they are run in large numbers of up to 10. “Alpacas are an aggressive animal – they don’t like foxes or dogs, they have great protection instincts, but they’re not aggressive towards humans, making them well suited to being herd guards,” he said. “If a dog hesitates the alpacas will destroy it.” Source: Bombala Times
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“Overseas research shows jenny donkeys are very effective protectors against coyotes and with Australia’s wild dogs only being about five kilograms heavier than coyotes, hopefully the donkeys will help minimise stock losses from wild dogs.”
Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013 11
Scott Foster of Australian Bush Spices Scott foster The Australian Bush Spice range
Background: I grew up in the cultural melting pot of Melbourne surrounded by food and culture, and then studied in Canberra, working in kitchens and restaurants for the past 20 years. I was inspired and energised by the customers and fellow staff, and it was the communication, the connections and relationships we made around the food that brought us together. Over 12 years ago I was running a restaurant in Canberra when a supplier presented some basic indigenous edible plants – from then I was hooked. Their raw power, the natural and social history, the Australianness resonated with me and I started to experiment, adding them into my own cooking and encouraging my chefs to do the same. I’d grown up in a big city but always loved the outdoors and gardening and knew that I would ultimately want something other than a fast-paced urban lifestyle. Sometimes the world gives you a sign – and in my case it again came from nature.
profile
I source ingredients from all over the country, but will always buy local and support local industry where possible. The Lemon Myrtle and Fingerlimes are all locally grown. The fingerlimes are native to this part of the world. These are an amazing fruit, called the caviar of the fruit world. We use the dried skins which are a by-product of another local company that use the pulp.
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The Macadamias are all grown and produced locally . We live on a 100 acre macadamia farm in Knockrow that contribute to the supply of nuts that we buy back. The Strawberry gum and bunya nuts are also all grown in the region.
Other core ingredients I have to source from Central Australia, like the Bush Tomatoes, (all indigenously picked) and the Wattleseed. Some products will only grow at their peak in the cold climates of Tasmania, like the Mountain Pepperberries and the Pepperleaf. Once we have all of the ingredients they are hand blended on the farm at Knockrow, into all of the spice mixes. From here we market the products nationwide and internationally.
Q. What inspired you to get involved in a new rural industry?
After first discovering native spices in Canberra over 15 years ago, I developed a passion for all things native. I saw a gap in the market for production of Australian native spice blends that were not only tasty but a beautiful looking, functional product
Q. What have been the pitfalls you have
overcome? How? Seasonal produce and coping with the extremes that Australia’s weather is. One season droughts can limit supply, the next year it could be floods. Seeking many suppliers and supporting the bushfoods industry has helped overcome this pitfall.
Q. What do you consider your successes? What do you attribute these to? We started small in Byron Bay servicing only the local markets. We produced a range of six savoury spice blends. They were gluten free, preservative free and locally made. Our first big win at the Sydney Royal Fine Food show in 2008, six months
Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013
into production, set us on our way. On the back of the first win, we picked up distributors all the way up the East Coast. The wins also attracted the attention of major nationwide publications like ABC Delicious, Country Style and the Sydney Magazine. Six years later we now have a medal count of 14, three new products added to the range, nationwide distribution, export to the Middle East and continual growth. As we grow we maintain our original objective which was to produce a high quality, easy to use product that not only looks good on the shelf but is tasty and nutritious. We source locally wherever possible and ethically for all else. We support indigenous projects in Central Australia and are big supporters of all Northern Rivers Food projects.
Q. What is your future vision for your business?
We aim for a) further growth of the product range, b) expansion into more international sites, and then c) to continue to maintain the original objectives for the business. I love that what I do supports the Australian industry. As a nation and especially as a region, we produce such good quality foods so I think we should look at what’s available and nearest first – just open our eyes and see the abundance that our native environment has to offer. Eventually I would like to see an entire aisle in supermarkets dedicated to Australian made products. For now, I’m just doing what I can with my spices, in my own sunny corner of the world. www.australianbushspices.com.au
Q. What are 5 tips you could give others in new rural industries?
Do your research as to what else is out there
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Work with other local businesses to grow your own
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Ask the right organisations for assistance along the way
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A cheaper product is not always best
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Have a strong Business plan in place from the start.
RED with its Wattleseed, Akudjura and Mountain Pepperberries is bold, earthy and strong; perfect for all styles of cooking red meat. Match with: Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. • • • •
Bronze Medal Winner, 2012 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show Bronze Medal Winner, 2011 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show Silver Medal Winner, 2009 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show. Bronze Medal Winner, 2008 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show.
ORANGE is a bush curry of Akudjura, Fingerlime, Mountain Pepperberries and Pepperleaves with a chilli rush. Match with: Australian Shiraz. • •
Bronze Medal Winner, 2012 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show Bronze Medal Winner, 2011 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show
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Bronze Medal Winner, 2010 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show
YELLOW is a bush dukkah which combines the amazing flavours of Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle with the crunch of Macadamias. Match with: Beer or sparkling white wine • • •
Bronze Medal Winner, 2012 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show Bronze Medal Winner, 2011 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show Bronze Medal Winner, 2009 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show
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Bronze Medal Winner, 2008 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show
GREEN is a delicious salad sprinkle of Akudjura and Lemon Myrtle with the bite of ginger and black pepper. Match with: Pinot Noir.
BLUE has the tangy flavours of Lemon Myrtle and Fingerlime infused with Kaffirlime and lemongrass; perfectly suited to any saltwater or freshwater catch. Match with: Australian Riesling. •
Bronze Medal Winner, 2012 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show
WHITE has the tangy flavours of Lemon Myrtle and Fingerlime plus the crunch of Macadamias and is designed for use with any white meat from chicken to crocodile. Match with: Australian Sauvignon Blanc. PINK is a sweet dusting spice so you can add to French toast, sprinkle it over yoghurt or do like my kids do and dip slices of fruit into it. Fantastic as a bedtime drink, warmed and strained. The main flavours working in here are the fruitiness of the quandong, the nuttiness of the Bunya nut and the Macadamia nut and the subtleness of the cinnamon and lemon myrtle. •
Silver Medal Winner, 2011 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show.
“VIOLET is a sweet cooking spice, but works well as a dipper also. Mix it through your dry mix before baking it into a cake or muffin mix and get that beautiful earthy flavour of Wattleseed and Macadamia and the aromatics of the Strawberry Gum. This is also fantastic mixed through porridge in the morning or baked into a strudel or crumble.” •
“Silver Medal Winner, 2011 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show.”
profile
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Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013 13
Therapeutic Antibodies from Alpaca: A New Market Opportunity
collaboration
“This alpaca study has shown that alpaca can be used successfully to make therapeutic antibody products such as snake venom”
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xciting new RIRDC funded research has explored the use of alpaca for the production of medical grade therapeutic antibody products such as snake antivenom. Alpaca are members of the camelid family which produce a unique class of immunoglobulin molecules in their blood stream. Immunoglobulins are special defence antibodies, and can be harvested and refined for production of specialised therapeutic medical products. The unique properties include reduced potential for an allergic reaction, greater heat stability and greater capacity for inactivating certain enzymes.
to make therapeutic antibodies against a range of different snake venom toxins. Snake venoms were chosen because for an antibody to be effective it must neutralise the actions of the venom. The project demonstrated that alpaca can be immunised without harm to the animal. The alpaca produced strong immune responses to low doses of a range of snake venoms. A system was developed for harvesting the alpaca blood, separating and concentrating the serum similar to the process currently used in horses. There is a shortage of supply of antivenom in certain regions of the world. The World Health Organisation estimates that globally there are five million snake bites each year resulting in 125,000 human deaths, and three times as many people who suffer permanent disability from snake bite. The alpaca study has shown that alpaca can be used successfully to make therapeutic camelid-type antibody products. For an industry to develop in Australia, a commercial partner would be required who would develop the antibody products and support them through the relevant government testing and approvals processes. Australia has potential for such an industry given it has an abundant number of alpaca, at an affordable price with low disease risk. The Australian alpaca industry would benefit from having an alternative use for the alpaca (apart from fibre production), as a producer of high value niche market products. This research was carried out by Dr Andrew Padula, a veterinarian in Bairnsdale, Victoria. For more information contact Julie Bird, Senior Research Manager: julie.bird@rirdc.gov.au
There is a billion dollar global demand for therapeutic antibodies. A diverse range of medical products with welldefined markets already exists, including various anti-toxin serums for snakes, spiders and bacterial infections (tetanus, rabies, botulism, anthrax). Currently these products are produced primarily in horses, sheep and rabbits. This proof of concept project explored the potential for alpaca
Alpaca are being used in a study to make therapeutic antibodies such as snake venom. Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013
The growing Alpaca industry
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The work put in by the early breeders is bearing fruit and fleece quality has improved to the point where it has become necessary to look at classing standards to meet the specific requirements of processors. Working with AWEX and following consultation with classers, processors and consumers combined with research into the Australian Wool and Mohair Industries, a comprehensive Classing Code of Practice is now available and the first group of trainers have completed the required alpaca units and are now available to train others through Registered Training Organisations such as TAFE. Once accredited these classers will receive their certification from AWEX and can obtain their unique number and stencil. The stencil when marked on a bale of alpaca will indicate that the contents have been classed according to Australian Industry Standards as “Quality Assured Australian Alpaca”. In 2011 the first bales of fleece were sold from the auction floor amidst great interest from buyers and brokers – a big step forward for the industry. With the commercial reality comes the economic necessity to sell alpaca meat. First mooted several years ago great strides have been made in this direction over the last couple of years with one supplier deciding to only sell to chefs. This supplier brought out chefs from Peru to hold master classes for Australian chefs showing how best to serve the very lean (99% fat free) alpaca meat. Over the last few years a niche market for processing alpaca fleece in Australian has been thriving. Producers such as Australian Alpaca Fleece Limited, Creswick Woolen Mills, Kelly & Windsor and Velieris to name a few have been supporting the industry by producing quality clothing, homewares, – blankets, throws, doonas, and high quality carpets. These complement the large number of artisans and craft people who turn out incredibly good quality product
on a small scale, selling in boutique stores and craftsman’s markets. The Australian Alpaca Association has an active and diverse membership from hobbyists to broad acre farmers and in a world of ever increasing government and environmental controls it is imperative that the association actively works to represent the views of the members. To participate in world markets it is essential that our members understand the standards required and the Association has now set in place all the procedures for members to market their fleece and maximize their returns. The Association runs an open farm week every year right across Australia and many of or members open their farms so the general public can visit and learn more about these delightful animals. In 2013 the open farm dates are 4th-12th May and to learn more about the farms opening in your local area you can go to the National Alpaca Week website, www.nationalalpacaweek.com.au or call the National office on 03 9873 7700.
collaboration
lpacas have now been in Australian for over 20 years – a very short time frame compared to the wool industry, but by not “reinventing the wheel” and using the technology introduced by wool producers, the fledgling industry is moving closer to commercialisation.
Passion to Profit – the magazine of New Rural Industries Australia Issue 14 – 2013 15
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