United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 2: Zero hunger
Access to food security knowledge. Provide access on food security and sustainable agriculture and aquaculture knowledge, skills or technology to local farmers and food producers.
UniSC offers several programs and free initiatives that provide knowledge, skills, and technology related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and aquaculture to local farmers and food producers.
UniSC initiatives supporting food security and sustainable agriculture / aquaculture
1. Research and innovation hubs
- Forest Research Institute (FRI) and the Centre for Bioinnovation: These groups conduct cutting-edge research on sustainable farming practices, soil health, and climate-resilient crops. Their findings are shared with local producers through workshops and publications.
- Sustainable aquaculture research: UniSC researchers work on improving aquaculture systems, including low-impact fish farming and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), which are shared with local operators.
2. Community engagement and extension programs
- UniSC’s AgTech and Innovation Days: These events bring together researchers, farmers, and agri-businesses to showcase new technologies like drone mapping, precision irrigation, and biofertilizers.
- Workshops and field days: Delivered in partnership with local councils and industry groups, UniSC offers hands-on training in regenerative agriculture, pest management, and aquaponics.
3. Student-led projects and internships
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Students from environmental science, agriculture, and sustainability programs work directly with local producers to implement sustainable practices and conduct impact assessments.
- Capstone projects: Final-year students often collaborate with farms and aquaculture businesses to solve real-world problems, such as improving water use efficiency or designing sustainable feed systems.
4. Technology transfer and digital tools
- Smart farm technologies: UniSC researchers develop and test IoT-based monitoring systems for soil moisture, crop health, and fish tank conditions, which are then made available to local producers.
- Decision support tools: Tools developed at UniSC help farmers make data-driven decisions about planting schedules, pest control, and resource allocation.
5. Partnerships and funding support
- Collaboration with Growcom, Hort Innovation, and Fisheries Queensland: These partnerships help translate UniSC research into practical applications for local producers.
- Grant writing support: UniSC assists farmers and food producers in applying for sustainability-focused grants and innovation funding.
6. Turbine – Sunshine Coast’s food and beverage manufacturing precinct
UniSC is a key partner in Turbine, Australia’s first purpose-built, end-to-end food and beverage manufacturing precinct located on the Sunshine Coast. Turbine provides local food producers with access to shared infrastructure, advanced manufacturing technologies, and business development support. The precinct fosters collaboration between industry, researchers, and entrepreneurs, helping local food and beverage businesses scale sustainably while integrating UniSC’s expertise in food innovation, agribusiness, and supply chain resilience.
These programs and initiatives are designed to equip local farmers and food producers with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance food security and promote sustainable practices.
Summary
The University of the Sunshine Coast provides local farmers and food producers with knowledge, skills, and technology in food security, sustainable agriculture, and aquaculture through various programs and initiatives.