Cash in place for Australian biotech centre
AUSTRALIA –, Funding for a new A$90 million (53m euro) dairy technology centre –, dubbed the Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) –, has been approved by the federal minister for science and technology, Senator Minchin.
The Australian government will contribute ten million euro to the centre, which will research and develop new dairy products using genomic technology. The remaining 43 million euro will come from the seven main parties involved in the project, which range from research organisations to food manufacturers and other commercial companies.
CRC chairman and former dairy farmer John Watson said the government’s funding recognised Australia as having some of the best dairy scientists in the world with the potential to develop outstanding new products. He said: “The investment will not only further build an innovative and internationally competitive dairy industry but will also enhance Australia’s reputation as a leader in biotechnology.”
The CRC is expected to develop products ranging from speciality ingredients –, such as those commercialised by Bonlac for the prevention of tooth decay –, to cloned calves with potential to produce higher quality milk. Watson added: “Whether developing cows which produce more nutritious milk or new ingredients for the food industry, biotechnology offers enormous potential benefits for dairy farmers, companies and consumers.”
The dairy industry is Australia’s third largest rural industry. About 50% of the country’s milk production and 60% of manufactured dairy products are exported.
