The Minns Labor Government is planting the seeds for a new wave of primary production manufacturing across regional NSW, unveiling a prospectus designed to harvest the economic benefits of the growing plant-based protein sector.
This prospectus is part of the Government's plans to strengthen regional economies, build new industries and drive jobs and investment.
The prospectus is aimed at metropolitan and international food manufacturers and is designed to encourage them to consider regional NSW as a base for their operations.
The prospectus highlights the competitive advantages regional NSW has including:
- Access to premium raw commodities suitable for plant-based protein food and beverage manufacturing with the ability to scale and meet growing demand
- Consumer market access with regional NSW ideally positioned and able to deliver goods to 81 percent of Australia's domestic market overnight
- Skilled workforce with relevant educational backgrounds, export-ready ports, and affordable industrial land.
- Research and development ecosystem that actively encourages collaboration between researchers across universities, DPIRD, CSIRO, Government and agribusiness
The Prospectus also identifies five key regions particularly suited to plant-based protein manufacturing: Riverina Murray, New England North West, Central West Orana, North Coast and Hunter Central Coast.
Advantages of these regions are identified in the "NSW regional location profiles" in the prospectus at Invest Regional NSW.
The prospectus will be launched today in conjunction with AltProteins 25 conference in Sydney.
Plant-based protein manufacturing is the process of turning crops such as chickpeas, soybeans, lentils and grains into high-protein food products like meat alternatives, protein powders, dairy-free drinks and snacks without using any animal products.
The global population is set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, meaning agricultural and food production will need to increase by up to 61 per cent.
Regional NSW produces millions of tonnes of plant protein crops each year, offering ideal conditions for manufacturers with strong market access, a skilled workforce and world-class research.
Developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in partnership with Investment NSW, the prospectus also showcases government programs supporting industry growth, innovation and streamlined approvals for investors.
To view the NSW Plant-Based Protein Manufacturing Prospectus, visit: Invest Regional NSW.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"With more than 4,500 food and beverage manufacturing businesses and high-quality research and development facilities we have the skills and the infrastructure to turn high-quality crops into premium plant-based protein products.
"Regional NSW offers the ideal combination of resources and advantages, from efficient transport networks and export-ready ports to skilled workforces and affordable industrial land, creating a compelling case for investors and manufacturers.
"This prospectus is about building on those strengths to grow jobs, drive innovation and ensure NSW captures its share of a rapidly expanding global market for healthy, sustainable food."
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Trade is a key contributor to our economy and by backing innovative industries like plant-based manufacturing, we're securing NSW's place in the future of food.
"For government and industry alike the prospectus outlines the opportunities and benefits of investing in regional NSW and invites collaboration, attracts investment, and sets the tone for long-term success.
"This prospectus is a powerful tool for showcasing NSW's strengths to the world, demonstrating our vision, our capabilities, and our commitment to sustainable growth whilst providing investors with clarity and confidence they need for opportunities."
University of Sydney Professor of Legume Biology and Molecular Genetics Professor Brent Kaiser said:
"We're seeing a major shift in how people think about food, from what they eat to how it's produced. This is being driven by multiple factors, including changing dietary needs, and increasing awareness of health, sustainability, and climate in response to future population growth.
"By 2050, we'll need to increase global agricultural crop calorie production by around 47-61% just to keep up. That's a huge pressure point on the production of sustainable protein sources - the development of plant-based protein foods offer a big part of the solution.
"New South Wales is already an agricultural powerhouse. We have a $20 billion sector producing a lot of wheat, canola, legumes and horticulture products and more.
"The real value is transforming these commodity-driven products into value-added foodstuffs. We can add value here by transforming these crops into high quality, plant-based food and beverage products."
Ben Furney Flour Mills CEO Sarah Furney said:
"Regional centres like Dubbo, where we produce flour and specialty milled products, offer the perfect environment for innovation and growth in the plant-based protein manufacturing space.
"With immediate access to grain supply, skilled labour and transport infrastructure, it's benefits like these that make regional NSW an ideal base for advanced food manufacturing and allow businesses like ours to compete in a growing market."
"Looking to the future, Ben Furney Flour Mills is investing in cutting-edge packaging and warehouse systems, expanding its Textured Vegetable Protein product line and continuing to grow its regional workforce.
"With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and export growth, the company is positioning itself as a pioneer in alternative proteins and value-added food manufacturing."
