Master Plan Projects Ref. Project Description First Steps Start Duration SHORT TERMS PROJECTS Humpty Doo Barramundi sashimi Expand the volume and product range of premium barramundi farmed in the NT. Humpty Doo Barramundi (HDB) is a family owned producer and distributer of premium Australian saltwater barramundi. They currently produce approximately 2,000 tonne per year of whole fish varying in specification from 300 g to 5 kg largely for the Australian market. HDB is looking to expand its product range and is considering barramundi sashimi for export into Asian markets. Undertake barramundi sashimi trial in conjunction with Nippon Express 2017 24 months Following consideration of barramundi sashimi trial results, MAFF and DPIR to agree on next steps. Mid 2018 Soybean cropping Investigate the feasibility of commercial soybean production in the Northern Territory (NT). A three staged approach to this project has been proposed to include; (1) (2) Feasibility at a larger scale, and (3) Cross-breeding with Japanese Nanahomare soybean variety. A Stage 1 Pre-feasibility Trial will assess the yield and protein content of new tropically adapted herbicide tolerant cultivars. DPIR and MAFF to secure commitment to fund Stage 1 as described in DPIR Proposal. Subject to agreed funding. 12 months for Stage 1. Asparagus farming Expand the production of premium asparagus in the Territory to capitalise on counter-seasonal domestic demand, and subsequently South East Asian export markets. Foxalicious Food operate a farm located 25 km south of Katherine, NT, producing premium, asparagus and mangoes. Longer term, this project may consider an exploration of asparagine (amino MAFF to identify an investor, joint venturer or other business model for Foxalicious Food to expand asparagus production at Katherine, NT. 2019 24 months
acid) production for health applications. Agribusiness infrastructure road map Development of cold chains and freight logistics is required to facilitate the export of premium NT food product into south east Asian markets. DPIR to map the current supply chain and logistics for premium fruit and fish. 2018 36 months Business incubation Develop a protocol to introduce DPIR to Japanese companies that may wish to invest in NT agriculture and aquaculture, and supply chain projects. DPIR to develop a protocol defining business pathways, business models and business assistance. 2018 12 months Cacao production Investigate the feasibility of commercial cacao production in the Territory, with a focus on the Tiwi Islands. DPIR to investigate requirements for a pre-feasibility trial and potential partners. 2018 2-3 years Dialogue on internship Assess the feasibility of an internship program for early career Japanese professionals in relevant fields (agriculture, logistics, economics, policy) to gain work experience within the NT. DPIR and MAFF to define objectives and scope requirements. 2018 12 months Information Exchange The MoC requires the development of an agreed: Communication process. Protocol to exchange information with external entities and to publish information. DPIR to draft a Communications Plan and Protocol, including roles for industry organisations. 2018 3 months Support DPIR – MAFF visits Support incoming delegates through assistance with planning and logistics, including scheduling of office accommodation where needed. NT industry need to be consulted on potential participation in delegations. MAFF to provide a forward program of scheduled visits by MAFF, NRI and private companies for 2017/18 financial year and out DPIR to regularly consult with relevant industry contacts regarding MAFF visits. 2018 Ongoing MEDIUM AND LONG TERM PROJECTS
Farming of local fish species Develop techniques to produce premium quality farmed fish in the NT suitable for supply to East Asian markets. DPIR and MAFF to investigate the potential for supply of fish for fish meal. 2019 2-3 Tiwi Islands aquaculture Develop a sea farming operation to farm barramundi, snapper or other fish species on the Tiwi Islands. DPIR and NTG to investigate study identifying business and technological challenges, and potential partners. 2019 2-3 years Robotics in horticulture Improve the efficiency of horticulture production in the Territory particularly irrigation, harvesting and packing systems, with the application of Japanese technology. DPIR to discuss with industry their interest in a research project to mechanise harvest and sorting/packing of mangoes. 2019 2-3 years Protected cropping Develop large scale commercial protected cropping (hydroponic and greenhouse) systems to increase efficiency, sustainability and quality of NT produce. DPIR to discuss with industry their interest in a research project to adapt protected cropping systems to NT’s climatic conditions. 2019 2-3 years Freezing technology Maintain quality and improve shelf life of tropical fruit and seafood with the application of freezing technology. DPIR to discuss with industry their interest in a research project on freezing of tropical fruit and/or wild catch seafood. 2019 2-3 years Food processing Develop food processing capability to add to fresh tropical fruit and seafood produced in the NT. DPIR to discuss with industry interest in a research project on fish fileting, freeze drying and preparation of ready to eat/cook meals. 2019 2-3 years Central Australia Establish a showcase of Japanese technology in horticulture in Central Australia. DPIR and MAFF to investigate feasibility of a farm’ demonstration at DPIR’s Arid Zone Research Institute. 2019 2-3