Major Projects
NPC has a challenging work program, building on existing projects and newly identified initiatives.
Project 1: Biochar-Energy Systems Pty Ltd (BES)
This project involves the further development and commercialisation of the BES pyrolysis processing systems and equipment.
BES has been established to
- continue a program of research and development on bio-waste streams
- provide analytical services to companies and agribusiness groups looking for bio-waste solutions
- develop and improve pyrolysis processing technologies, and
- manage NPC’s future waste streams.
To find out more about BES Pty Ltd, click HERE.
Project 2: Planning Opportunities
Planning controls impact on several critical issues for regional poultry industry growth. This ongoing project aims to
- protect bio-security controls that have been implemented by existing poultry industry businesses and ensure that future poultry industry expansion is at the leading edge of bio-security practice
- enable consistent planning decisions to be applied for poultry industry applications and permits
- provide strategic direction on the integration of planning guidelines with new rural zones (associated with each Council’s Rural Planning Strategy)
- facilitate ongoing communication and education on the practices, investment and bio-security requirements of the industry within the region.
- maintain close relationships between NPC and local councils, particularly the economic development and planning departments, to ensure that the poultry sector is an integral part of future economic development strategies and planning schemes.
Project 3: Alternative Litter
Rice hulls, the preferred type of material for poultry litter, has been in increasingly short supply for several years. Current trends in Australia’s rice industry suggest that this is unlikely to change in the future. Growers in the region now use wood shavings or straw as the most affordable alternative.
NPC has identified re-cycled and processed cardboard as an alternative (to rice hulls) litter for broiler sheds. Trials have been conducted in three NPC businesses, and the path to commercialisation is continuing.
Project 4: Shedding and Systems
This project involves the development of cost-efficient infrastructure and facilities to encourage new participants in the contract growing sector, with environmental controls, low energy usage and other cost efficiencies.
The project has been piloting the development of a small supply chain for broad acre farmers interested in growing poussin and quail. New innovations are also being researched, including
- geothermal heating and cooling, and
- environmentally controlled grower sheds for squab.
Project 5: Tracking and Tracing System
The Cluster identified a need to set-up technology in tracking and tracing systems to address bio-security issues. A system has been initiated and is being trialled.
Project 6: Value Added Product Development
This project has established collaborative cooked, value added poultry products. The project aims to take advantage of current market trends favouring food products which are convenient, healthy, nutritious and natural (ie chemical and preservative free). Extended shelf life products are also being researched as part of this project stream.
Project 7: Water and Infrastructure Security
This project is yet to be defined.
Project 8: Stockfeed Partnerships
This project recognises the importance of quality stockfeed formulations and production to the industry and aims to ensure NPC members have security over feed supplies and appropriate partnerships in the development and monitoring of feed technologies.