The NSW Government has released a new prospectus promoting regional opportunities in plant-based protein manufacturing, outlining measures intended to attract investment, support local industries, and encourage growth in the state’s food production sector.
Developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in partnership with Investment NSW, the NSW Plant-Based Protein Manufacturing Prospectus was released in conjunction with the AltProteins 25 conference in Sydney.
It outlines the state’s competitive advantages for manufacturers, including access to premium crops, skilled workforces, export-ready ports, and affordable industrial land.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the initiative builds on existing regional strengths to position the state as a leader in sustainable food production.
“With more than 4,500 food and beverage manufacturing businesses and high-quality research and development facilities, we have the skills and the infrastructure to turn high-quality crops into premium plant-based protein products,” Moriarty said.
“This prospectus is about building on those strengths to grow jobs, drive innovation and ensure NSW captures its share of a rapidly expanding global market for healthy, sustainable food.”
The document highlights five key regions suitable for plant-based protein manufacturing – Riverina Murray, New England North West, Central West Orana, North Coast and Hunter Central Coast.
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said the prospectus underscores NSW’s commitment to modernising its manufacturing and export sectors.
“Trade is a key contributor to our economy and by backing innovative industries like plant-based manufacturing, we’re securing NSW’s place in the future of food,” he said.
“This prospectus is a powerful tool for showcasing NSW’s strengths to the world, demonstrating our vision, our capabilities, and our commitment to sustainable growth.”
Industry leaders have also welcomed the initiative. Ben Furney Flour Mills CEO Sarah Furney said regional centres like Dubbo are well-placed to drive innovation in this space.
“With immediate access to grain supply, skilled labour and transport infrastructure, it’s benefits like these that make regional NSW an ideal base for advanced food manufacturing,” she said.
University of Sydney Professor Brent Kaiser said the focus on plant-based protein reflects changing global demands. “We’re seeing a major shift in how people think about food, from what they eat to how it’s produced,” Professor Kaiser said.
“New South Wales is already an agricultural powerhouse. The real value is transforming these commodity-driven products into value-added foodstuffs.”
The NSW Government said the prospectus is designed to attract domestic and international manufacturers to regional NSW, providing them with information on available resources, infrastructure, and investment programs to support growth in the state’s food manufacturing industry.
