Australian Food Industry

Question 1

what is The Agri Food Chain?

Answer 1

The agrifood chain is the production and supply of food to the consumer.
- relies on the success of each sector and each is dependent on the other.

Question 2

• sectors of the agri-food chain in the Australian food industry, including agriculture and fisheries, food processing/manufacturing, food service and catering, food retail

Answer 2

Agriculture and fisheries
- cultivation of land to produce crops, of animals or
of cold-blooded aquatic species
E.g. Fish, seafood, staple crops (wheat), fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry, lamb, pork.
- e.g. of jobs in the industry: Farmer, Fisher, Grain buyer, Stock agent, Mechanic, Vet

Food manufacture processing
- taking raw materials and turning them into value added products (largest sector of the agri-food chain: employs many people)

**Food retail **
- Products are sold to the consumer through shop supermarkets, stocking a large and diverse range of products according to consumer trends
E.g. Uber eats (delivery), Woolworths (supermarket store), Lite n Easy (ready-to-eat)

Food service and catering
- can be referred to the hospitality industry including all aspects of commercial food preparation, production and service
- Commercial organisations : profit e.g. restaurants, clubs, pubs and cafes
- Non commercial organisations: non profit e.g. hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and armed services

Question 3

what are biotechnology in genetically modified foods?

Answer 3

The use of living organisms or other biological systems in the manufacturing of products.
- Genomics: the science of mapping genes and studying their function. Enables the developing of breeding programs to select desirable traits. E.g Barley Max grain (3 different fibre types).
- Genetic modification is the process of changing genetic material within organisms (known as GMO). duplicate, remove or insert new genes into an organism to allow for the most desirable characteristics to be present. E.g. the first GMO food was a tomato, known as the Flavr Savr, engineered to have a longer shelf life.
- Transgenic Organisms: genetic modification involving the transfer of DNA from one organisms to another. E.g. growth hormones into cow embryos to produce leaner meat.

Question 4

what are ecologically sustainable production methods?

Answer 4

Ecological Farming: all methods practiced to reduce soil erosion, carbon emission, as well as enhance biodiversity, water retention, biofuels and organic processes.
* Crop rotation: involving the changing of crops from each season to maximise soil nutrients and prevent erosion.
* Organic Farming: agricultural and aquacultural practices that do not involve the use of harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and growth hormones. E.g. using compost composed of crop remains to fertilise, instead of harsh chemicals e.g. nitrogen and phosphate.

Question 5

what are Energy efficent production techniques?

Answer 5

1. Reducing air condition power use by using acceptable temperature settings (especially during non-production periods). Temperature band of 19-26℃ is acceptable
2. Managing use of equipment efficiently: installing controllers to automatically switch off equiptment when not in use
3. Training staff to close doors and windows after use
4. Installing solar panels and sensor lighting
5. Installing Energy Efficient lighting systems such as LED lights

Question 6

what are Emerging technologies in food packaging?

Answer 6

**Biodegradable packaging **
- generally defined as any form of packaging that will naturally disintegrate and decompose.
E.g. plant-based materials, such as wheat or corn starch

**Compostable packaging **
- packaging that will break down naturally when left in the right environment. Compostable packaging can be made from three types of materials: paper, cardboard or bioplastics
E.g. Kraft Paper Containers: manufactured from virgin wood pulp, making it organic

Question 7

Why is GM food production controversial?

Answer 7

• People think it could negatively impact their health.
• People worried that Gm products could wipe out our food supply.
• The negative impacts on the environment: risk of outcrossing, where genes from GMO foods pass into wild plants and other crops - impact insects and other species and reduction in other plant types, leading to a loss of biodiversity.

Question 8

what are the levels of operation and mechanism?

Answer 8

household (house kitchen)
- Small portions of food
- Small scale equipment (Domestic equipment) such as hand beaters and mixing bowls Food
- E.g. making cakes and biscuits to sell at farmers market

small business (bakers delight)
- Small scale food production
- Employs less than 20 staff
- Family run or operate as a partnership
- Equipment: no industrial, but may be semi automated such as bread slicers or sausage mincing machines

large companies (woolworths)
- Usually employs more than 50 employees
- May operate more than 1 store across state or country
- Large scale food production
- automated equipment/machinery, less manual labour
- Only operating in australia

multinationals (mcdonalds)
- Operating in several countries around the world (abroad)
- Sophisticated technology/equiptment, high level of automation
- Produce large volumes of food
- Consistent products are ensured through procedures e.g. filling of cans
- Automated Equiptment can operate daily

Question 9

what is research and development?

Answer 9

Process used to create new food product, improve existing products and explore the market where food organisations operate.

benefits
- Enhancing safety and stability of food supply.
- Becoming competitive in the global market.
- Improving profit for Australian food industry.

Question 10

what are two examples of R&D companies?

Answer 10

Commonwealth Scientific and industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
- Plant science: improving plant species by finding yield-increasing methods, addressing complications for plant growth, e.g. pests, water shortages.
- Digital Agriculture: using digital innovation to improve communication and organisation of agriculture, and between farmers and their processing/manufacturing clients.

Australia’s Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDC)
collaboration between Aus Government and food-related industries to share funding and strategic direction for R&D (main way aus gov and primary producers co-invest in R&D for AFI)

Question 11

what is quality assurance?

Answer 11

process of ensuring set standards and product consistency are met.
* Every person in the production of product is responsible

Question 12

what is Quality control?

Answer 12

a system of maintaining standards in manufactured products by testing an output sample against specifications of an optimum prototype.

Question 13

what is HACCP?

Answer 13

Quality management system
1. Assess hazards
2. Identify critical control points (CCP)
3. Establish ‘critical limits’ for each CCP
4. Monitoring system for CCP
5. Establish corrective actions
6. Verify HACCP system is working
7. Set up records

Question 14

consumer influences

Answer 14

As financers of the Australian food industry, consumers have some influence over what products are made, and company decision, due to controlling the supply/demand of products and following societal trends.

Question 15

what are causes for changes in food product development?

Answer 15

• Changing consumer tastes and behaviours
• Advances in technology
• Changing market structure
• New food legislation and regulations
• Globalisation and political issues

Question 16

Examples of consumer demands and corresponding products

Answer 16

Decrease in cooking skills = Prepared home meals = Prepared packet cake mixes

Increase for nutritious food = Increase for the production of healthy foods = Bread with extra fibre

Question 17

what are examples of value-added foods?

Answer 17

• Production of superfoods: foods rich in nutrients, antioxidants. E.g. turmeric powder, aloe vera inner leaf juice.
  
  • Consumers’ busy lifestyle: foods that are easy to prepare (may already be cooked). E.g. microwave rice, soup pouches, Hello Fresh meal kit.
  • Ethical concerns: addresses the view of public on animals/environment. E.g. RSPCA approved chicken, Responsibly-sourced tuna, palm-oil free chocolate.

Question 18

what is the impact of AFI on the envionment?

Answer 18

• Energy uses by fossil fuels, such as electricity (coal), and petroleum
  
  • The processing of foods, as well as transportation/distribution of products = emits greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide
  • Food wastage contributes to landfill – thus it used up unnecessary energy, natural resources.
  • Plastic wastes from packaging contribute to landfill, and pollute the oceans, harming wildlife.
  • Waste water, with toxic chemicals and other harmful materials, can pollute waterways.

Question 19

examples of waste management programs

Answer 19

OZHARVEST
Saves excess food from ending up in landfill and delivering it to charities that help feed people in need.

THE ODD BUNCH
Saving imperfect foods for retail from being wasted.
fresh fruit and vegetables (such as potatoes, apples, pears and carrots) that are not retail worthy are sold for a cheaper price.
- benefits Australian growers and suppliers who are able to sell more produce to supermarkets

Question 20

what are efficient packaging practices?

Answer 20

• using biodegradable packaging
• compostable packaging

Question 21

what are efficient production techniques?

Answer 21

• Reducing air conditioner power
• intsalling controllers to automatically switch off equiptment
• Ensure seals on doors, windows, fridges, freezers and cool rooms are tight
• Trading staff to close doors and windows after use
• Install solar panels
• Install sensor lighting

Question 22

what are efficient transportation stratergies?

Answer 22

• rail methods are more environmentally friendly - more fuel efficient
• establishing warehouses near train lines

Question 23

What impact does the AFI have on the economy?

Answer 23

• generation of profit
• changes in employment

Question 24

AFI impact on the generation of profit

Answer 24

• AFI has exports to over 200 international markets due to high food quality standards
• accounting for 46% of retailing turnover

Question 25

AFI impact on changes in employment

Answer 25

• Automation has led to loss of some jobs though other areas have opened up such as product development

Question 26

AFI impact on society

Answer 26

Negative impact
* Advertising and selling tactics from companies are designed to make money, not aid in consumers lives - hindrance to people trying to make healthy eating decisions.
* Artificial additives in products may have serious, yet unforeseen health concerns, e.g. cancer.
* Processed foods on disease: increased obesity, heart disease (from high saturated fat), type 2 diabetes, pancreatic cancer (from high sugar content), hypertension (high salt content).
Positive impact:
* Developing products to address increasing allergies in Australian consumers.
* Providing convenience products for busy lifestyles.
* Following FSANZ laws to provide nutritional information & ingredients list on packaging.
* Adjusting to consumer demand for health-conscious foods, e.g. no artificial colours of flavours, low fat etc.

Question 27

what are working conditions in AFI

Answer 27

• Entry level varies: no experience (on-the-job training), industry experience, TAFE and short-course qualifications e.g. RSA or university qualifications, e.g. B Food Technology.
  
  • Wages/salaries are determined by experience, qualifications and job performance.
  • Usually very repetitive, labour-intensive jobs.
  • Requires a high degree of personal hygiene, and specific uniform standards.

Question 28

what are career opportunities for each sector of the AFI?

Answer 28

Agriculture and Fisheries
Dairy farmer
Apple picker
Fishermen
Vet
Agricultural scientist

Food Processing
Food technologist
Machine operator
Truck driver
Electrician
Abattoir worker

**Food retail **
Grocer
Sandwich hand
Baker
Delivery driver
Food Stylist
Checkout Attendant
Food Service & Catering
Waiter/Waitress
Chef
Barista

Question 29

what are advisory groups?

Answer 29

independent organisations responsible for guiding and providing advice to the Government when it is developing policies and legislation.

Question 30

examples of advisory groups that have a role in formulating
and implementing policy and legislation

Answer 30

Australian Citrus Growers Incorporated
Represent citrus growers around Aus. Assist in management of issues such as fruit fly infestation or drought.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Independent statutory agency that sets standards for food safety and sale. e.g. Coordinated product recall for frozen pomegranates contaminated with hep. A.
4 chapters:
Chapter 1: General Food Standards
- labelling, what can and can’t be added to or be present in food, microbiological limits, regulation of genetically modified and irradiated food.
Chapter 2 - Food Product Standards
- This chapter includes definitions, compositional and labelling requirements specific to particular foods or classes of foods.
Chapter 3 – Food Safety Standards (AUS only)
- These standards apply to all food businesses and set out requirements for all aspects of food handling and for food handlers
**Chapter 4 **– Primary Production and Processing Standards (AUS only)
- primary production and processing standards for seafood, meat, poultry meat, dairy products, specific cheeses, eggs, seed sprouts and wine.

Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS)
Protect agriculture against pests and diseases that may enter the country. e.g. Worked with gov. on preparations for avian flu entering Australia.

Question 31

government policies and legislation (local level)

Answer 31

enviornmental health officer (EHO): inspect food premises; responsible for investigating complaints, educating those in the industry, inspecting a registered food business,
checking the supplier of goods, issuing improvement notices or orders, ensure goods sold meet labelling and other legal requirements.

Question 32

government policies and legislation (state level)

Answer 32

• Food Act 2003 (NSW) – ensure food is safe and suitable for consumption, prevent misleading conduct in connection with food sale.
• WHS Act 2011 – protect the health, safety and welfare of employees in the workplace, by reducing work related accidents and eliminating risks.
• Fair Trading Act 1987 – covers fair and honest business practises protecting consumer and traders.

Question 33

government policies and legislation (federal level)

Answer 33

• Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act (1991) - Ensures quality of produced/imported foods and provides info to consumers to make informed choices. Establishes a regulatory framework for food industry, as well as international trade rules.
• Trade Practises Act 1974 – ensure fair trading and protect the consumer.
  Addressing restrictive trade practice, unconscionable conduct, consumer protection,
  liability of manufacturer and importers.
• National Health and Nutrition Policy – raise awareness to educate Australian,
  making responsible for their eating patterns and habits.
• WHS Act 2011- provides a framework to protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers at work. protects the health and safety of all other people who
  might be affected by the work.