Australian native plants have a long history of use by both Aboriginal and European inhabitants. Transition into horticulture has been slow however, with only one indigenous plant, the Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia , well established. The potential exists for the productive use of a number of other species on the north coast of NSW, and indeed many potential bush tucker plants naturally occur in this region. This leaflet provides a brief introduction to bush tucker production on the north coast of NSW, and includes publications from which more information can be obtained. The Bush Tucker Industry.
Commercial markets exist for several types of Australian bush foods.
The restaurant 'Rowntrees', for example, is world renowned for its use of Australian native foods. Successful commercial enterprises are also based on native food production. Bush Tucker Supply Australia Pty Ltd, for example, markets 50 foods and food products to restaurants, bakers, caterers, food manufacturers, ice-cream makers and the tourist industry. Marketing opportunities for bush tucker can be enhanced by avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals through the use of a mixed species inter-cropping model. Superior forms of many species are also likely to be produced by selection and breeding of wild and cultivated forms.