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Biotechnology describes production methods which rely on biological processes. It includes 'gene technology', which enables characteristics to be moved between unrelated organisms by transferring individual genes between the organisms. For example, a bacterial gene that provides protection from a herbicide can be transferred to a plant to protect it from the herbicide.
Biotechnology has been used for many years in the production of beer, wine, cheese and bread but has developed much faster since scientists identified genes and methods for moving them between species. There's considerable public debate in Australia and overseas about the potential benefits and risks gene technology could bring to the agriculture and food industries.
Biotechnology Australia is a multi-departmental Federal Government agency responsible for coordinating non-regulatory biotechnology issues for the Australian Government and providing balanced and factual information on biotechnology to the Australian community.
The Department of Primary Industries promotes economic and sustainable production practices through a number of agriculture and natural resource projects.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia (DAFF) aims to provide balanced information about the application of biotechnology in the agriculture, food and fibre sectors. The Biotechnology Strategy for Agriculture, Food and Fibre responds to the challenges and opportunities agricultural biotechnology presents to existing farming systems.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand ensures safe food by developing effective food standards for Australia and New Zealand. It develops food standards for the entire food supply chain, from primary production through to manufactured food and retail outlets.
Food Victoria brings together the food industry and the government to promote and develop all aspects of food, from production to processing, marketing and distribution. It encourages growth in the sector through projects, events and assistance to businesses.
The Food Policy Group's primary focus is to promote public health and safety through leadership in Commonwealth food policy issues and through the establishment of nationally consistent food regulation.
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is Australia's first line of defence. It ensures that genetically modified organisms imported into the country do not endanger the environment or human health. AQIS inspects incoming luggage, cargo, mail, animals and plants and their products and provide inspection and certification for a range of exports.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) protects human health and the environment by identifying risks posed by or as a result of gene technology, and managing those risks by regulating certain dealings with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) including research, manufacture, production, experimental trials, commercial release and importation.
Food Science Australia is Australia's largest food research and development organisation. A joint venture of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Food Science offers scientific expertise to assist the Australian food industry compete in the global market. Its objective is to improve and enhance products and productivity while controlling the costs of raw materials, packaging, labour, energy, storage and transport.
The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Incorporated (AIFST) is a national association for professionals involved in the science and technology of food. The Institute is committed to the development and promotion of food science and technology as a profession and to maintaining its position as an unbiased, professional, scientific body.
