News
Find out the latest AFII news
From the Director: April 2026
New national reports and food security discussions point to one clear message: we need better coordination, clearer visibility of capability, and mission‑led, long‑term investment to deliver impact at scale.
In this month’s AFII Director’s Message, Professor Owen Atkin reflects on why food security is a systems challenge, why exports matter to national resilience, and how mission‑based approaches can help Australia’s agrifood sector meet what’s ahead.
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From the Director: March 2026
March underscored the growing complexity and volatility of Australia’s agrifood systems and the critical need for cross-sector collaboration. From resilience and fuel security to mission-led R&D, discover how ANU and partners are responding. Read more in the March message from the AFII Director.
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Intense heatwaves directly threaten crops and native species. Here’s what we can do
A recent article co-written by AFII Director Owen Atkin in The Conversation Australia + NZ highlights how intense heatwaves damage crops at critical growth stages, disrupt pollination, reduce yields and place enormous stress on native species.
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Scientists at ANU and UoN discovered how an enzyme in cyanobacteria boosts carbon fixation, enabling the breeding of climate-resilient crops. These crops can absorb more CO₂, grow faster, and produce more food, promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security.
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The Federal Government’s proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy has raised the ire of producer groups, after the Government last month moved to legislate the measure. The new model is due to commence on 1 July 2024 and is based on a shared responsibility model, which will see
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The first quarter of 2024 has been a busy period for the Agrifood Innovation Institute (AFII) team as we have transitioned from the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology (CEAT), taking on a new name, scope and set of strategic priorities. You can read more about our Strategic Plan 2024-28 here. Earlier
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At the Agrifood Innovation Institute we are focused on connecting the best and brightest ANU researchers and students with industry to create the innovative solutions the agrifood sector needs. And one of the best places every year to build
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It’s been a busy few months at AFII, as we transition to a new name, but also to a new scope and strategic focus. Our team have been hard at work considering where best to focus our efforts and resources in the coming five years. You can view our Strategic
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Congratulations to Agrifood Hub members Wildlife Drones and PPB Technology, who’ve both recently received awards for their great work. On 5 March, Wildlife Drones was recognised in the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems Industry Awards, winning the Innovation – technology Award. The award recognises organisations that have developed drone technologies,
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Rising global temperatures are putting pressure on our food supply, but ANU plant scientists are working hard to breed crops that can thrive in the changing climate. In recent years, extreme heat and weather events have had a major impact on the wellbeing and wallets of ordinary Australians. When floods
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We would like to announce that the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology (CEAT) will be undergoing a name change and will continue its work as the Agrifood Innovation Institute (AFII) in the new year. The name change reflects the evolution of our mission and scope, as well as our status as
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As we approach the end of 2023, it is my pleasure to announce two key changes to the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology (CEAT) that will come into effect in the new year. From 1 January 2024, CEAT will become the Agrifood Innovation Institute (AFII). When CEAT started in 2018, our