To build the evidence base that will underpin the food system transformation ahead, we design and conduct publicly accessible research on the issues that matter.
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Solutions to Food Security in Australia: What’s on the Table?
Food security impacts every Australian alive today, and all future generations. That’s why we analysed 187 submissions made to the 2023 National Inquiry into Food Security and published our findings in the detailed report below. Our analysis reveals several matters of national significance: Findings First, that such a wide range of stakeholders engaged with the…
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Victoria Unboxed: Final Report
Download the full report here Food packaging waste in Australia contributes significantly to waste generation and environmental pollution. Despite a high percentage of packaging being reusable, recyclable, or compostable, actual recycling and composting rates are low. The solution to this is not as simple as removing packaging from food supply chains, as it plays an important…
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Strengthening Food Systems Governance at the Local Level
This 2019-2022 collaboration with the University of Sydney and University of Wollongong created a database of food-related policies across all councils in Victoria and NSW. Through in-depth case study research with leading local governments and civil society organisations, it identified the opportunities and challenges for food system transformation at the local level. The extensive research…
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The Pandemic Gardening Survey Report
In this report, we lay out an action agenda to create more edible towns and cities in Australia. Based on findings from the first-ever national Pandemic Gardening Survey, the report reflects the voices of over 9,000 gardeners from urban, regional and remote communities across Australia who shared how edible gardening is good for the mind, body and soul.
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Growing Edible Cities and Towns
A Survey of the Victorian Urban Agriculture Sector. Despite the diverse benefits of urban agriculture, there is limited research into urban agriculture as a sector in Victoria. This report presents findings from a survey of urban agriculture practitioners in Melbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong. The findings include the sector’s composition, activities, market channels, challenges, needs and aspirations, as well as opportunities for sector support and growth. The report also proposes a roadmap for addressing critical challenges that face the sector and for building on the strength of its social and environmental commitments. These findings and recommendations are of relevance to policymakers at all levels of government, especially as food security, climate change, human and ecological health and urban sustainability emerge as key interconnected priorities in this challenging decade.
