Contributions and legacies
Explore our latest studies, and industry and academic publications.
We aim to share our work with regular updates, but please note that some restrictions may apply to publications.
Australian hot water treatment study provides advancements for global mango trade
GriffithAgribusiness has discovered how to use hot water treatment to meet market entry protocols for fruit fly disinfestation in Australian mangoes.
The study, conducted on the commonly exported variety R2E2 and new variety NMBP-4069, found that the fruit responded well to hot water treatment when preconditioned to ambient shed temperatures. The study was part of a larger project, led by GAI’s agribusiness expert Associate Professor Robin E Roberts, and funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), which aimed to improve smallholder farmer incomes by increasing the competitiveness of selected mango value chains in Southern Vietnam.
Fertiliser Study in Southern Vietnam
Researchers have proven that lower application rates of fertilisers do not affect the yield or quality of two mango varieties in Southern Vietnam.
An investigation into the current fertiliser practices of smallholder mango farmers in Dong Thap and Tien Giang provinces found that the desire to maximise yield was leading to a widespread overuse of fertiliser, resulting in higher production costs, an exacerbated susceptibility to pests and disease, and significant environmental impacts. Trials conducted in collaboration with in-country researchers demonstrated that mango yield and quality can be maintained with lower application rates.
Buyer virtual engagement study
Macadamias Australia
A ‘real-time’ webinar was held at Macadamias Australia in Bundaberg as a replacement for face-to-face agritourist surveys. 43,000 Chinese consumers logged in to watch the broadcast, hosted by a Mandarin-speaking social media and radio personality, Eric Ho.
The audience was walked through the macadamia orchard, the on-site café, the processing facility, and the gift shop where they learned about Australia’s native nut, Macadamias Australia’s value-add range, the macadamia industry, the Steinhardt family’s multi-generational farming industry, and how the macadamias go from tree to table in their vertically integrated and carbon-negative business. The participants were offered an incentive to complete a survey and researchers will study how much is spent on the advertised products at the livestreaming event.
Griffith walks the supply chain with mango farmers to improve trade outcomes
Seventy smallholder mango farmers in Southern Vietnam completed a Walking the Chain demonstration, a demand focused activity aimed to validate the effect of trade interventions in domestic supply chains.
Farmers were transported to Ho Chi Minh City and walked along the produce trade path to their own farms in Dong Thap and Tien Giang provinces, each step giving them a better understanding of what’s required to successfully supply a modern retailer. The activity provided the farmers with new understanding on concepts such as market access and consumer behaviour and provided evidence-based practical solutions to improve the quality of their yield and ultimately their trading outcomes.
Additional resources
External resources and helpful links relating to research activities.
COVID-19 Gendered Risks, Impact, and Response in the Indo-Pacific
The aim was to develop an evidence-based approach that identifies the specific risk of economic hardship and food insecurity that women have experienced during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.
News, information, research, and resources pertaining to ACIAR project LS/2020/203
ACIAR Southern Vietnam Mango Supply Chain Project
Improving smallholder farmer incomes through strategic market development in mango supply chains in southern Vietnam.
News, information, research, and resources pertaining to ACIAR project AGB/2012/061.
Asia Pacific Mango Network
A research program being undertaken with a broader development goal to help farmers and their communities improve their income and livelihoods from the production and sale of mango and mango products.
Projects pertaining to the ACIAR Mango Agribusiness Research Program.
Australia China Business Council
Knowledge. Networks. Advocacy.
The premier bilateral business organisation in Australia dedicated to the Australia-China relationship.
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