Adapting to climate change

CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences is developing capability to assist food manufacturers to respond effectively to climate change

Adaptation to climate change by food manufacturers will be vitally important in supporting rural communities to make informed decisions to enable long-term sustainable competitiveness.

The Australia food industry is an important component of the Australian economy, accounting for around 20% of manufacturing sector output (Source: Australian Commodities, Vol. 14, No. 1., March 2007, ABARE).
Any inability of manufacturers to adapt to climate change is likely to result in a loss of markets for farmers' produce, leading to a loss of jobs in manufacturing and in local support industries (such as banking, transport, and utilities), with potential for significant social costs.

CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences' capability development and activities for 2007-08 include:

1. Industry forums for developing awareness and understanding on climate change challenges and issues and its impact on the Victorian food manufacturers.
   1. Effects on quality and supply of raw ingredients
   2. Water quality and supply, reuse or alternative usage minimisation practices
   3. Reduction in green house gases and process efficiency
   4. Efficient use of energy and energy minimisation
2. Presentation of information on current and future best practices to assist and develop individual or industry sector responses for adjustment of food manufacturer's to climate change.
3. Review of current R&D and practice change initiatives domestically and internationally relating to adjustment and adaptation of food manufacturers to climate change.
4. Increasing awareness and engagement of services by the collaborative research groups and consultants for initiating auditing services, benchmarking studies, feasibility assessment and research and development activities to meet company or industry sector address adjustment needs.
5. Identification of new R&D initiatives, demonstration and pilot activity and investment decision tools for long-term adaptation (2-3 years).