New Food Innovation Centre On Defence Menu Card

The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Geoff Lyons
Member for Bass

New Food Innovation Centre On Defence Menu Card

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon today foreshadowed a new partnership focused on establishing a joint Research Centre in Food Innovation.

The Research Centre will draw on facilities and expertise from the University of Tasmania, CSIRO’s Division of Food and Nutritional Sciences and the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO).

"The Research Centre in Food Innovation would be able to support and enhance the research activities at DSTO Scottsdale which provides a dedicated food science and technology capability for Defence," Mr Snowdon said.

"The new centre, together with the redevelopment of the Scottsdale facility, is expected to significantly enhance DSTO’s ability to provide the ADF with state-of-the-art support on nutrition and feeding strategies."

"It will draw on the synergies between DSTO, CSIRO and UTAS to develop novel approaches to nutrition and food science that will benefit the performance of ADF personnel as well as the needs of the wider Australian community."

Mr Snowdon was speaking at the opening of the International Symposium on Defence Nutrition in Scottsdale (northern Tasmania) where experts from Australia, USA, Norway, New Zealand and Singapore have gathered to discuss strategies for the future development of military nutrition and food science.

"This symposium provides an opportunity to address critical nutrition issues such as the potential for high pressure processing to produce safe, long-lasting, tasty and nutritious foods for combat rations, and the use of nanotechnology for ‘smart’ packaging of ration items," Mr Snowdon said.

Outcomes from the symposium will inform the program of the proposed food innovation centre.

Mr Snowdon said the new centre could allow Scottsdale to grow research capabilities in food science and technology, provide access to a broader pool of experts, and foster an enriched science environment for staff.

"The Australian government is fully committed to the growth of DSTO Scottsdale as a modern food science facility for the benefit of the Australian Defence Force," he said.

"On a broader level, the new centre could provide significant benefits for the local agricultural industry, local manufacture of ingredients, small business development in Tasmania and employment opportunities.

"It is likely to be a win-win result for the three organisations involved, but also for industry and the Tasmanian economy," said the Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons.

ENDS

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