Sausages, patties and mince can be made from local grains thanks to Australia’s first plant-based “meat” ingredient factory.<br> Harvest B co-founders Kristi Riordan and Alfred Lo made it their mission to figure out how to replace animal protein with a novel plant-based approach that also adds value for local grain growers.<br> “It makes absolutely no sense that high-quality Australian grown produce is shipped offshore to be processed only for us to buy it back at higher costs as finished consumer products,” Ms Riordan said.<br> Instead of relying on international supplies that can be costly and disrupted, Harvest B’s ingredients will be available to Australian food brands, manufacturers and food service companies from the new factory in Penrith in Western Sydney.<br> Industry Minister Ed Husic officially opened the high-tech facility that he said would help to transform Australia’s domestic food manufacturing.<br> “As climate change impacts food supply chains, developing alternative proteins will emerge as a global challenge,” he said.<br> “Harvest B can now supply plant-based proteins to food brands and manufacturers across Australia, establishing a new local supply chain and increasing Australia’s domestic manufacturing capability and export potential.”<br> He said Australia had a strong reputation as a producer of safe, premium, high-quality foods, and Harvest B will support domestic businesses to capitalise on the growing demand for plant-based protein foods.<br> Harvest B said the new facility would bring 30 new high-skilled jobs to Western Sydney, as well as opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.<br> It is the first company to value-add to local grains grown in the central west of NSW and secures a local food supply chain for plant-based proteins.<br> The founders say the product boasts a shelf life far superior to that of imported plant-based and locally sourced animal-based proteins.<br> They say the product also cuts carbon emissions by keeping the supply chain local, and could provide a clean and safe food source to the world.<br> Backed by Woolworths’ venture fund W23 and $1 million from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, Harvest B intends to initially develop 10 product lines and is looking at exports to Southeast Asia.<br> Mr Husic also announced six projects under the final tranche of the $30 million commercialisation fund managed by the growth centre.<br> The Hygiene Co in Woodville North, South Australia, received $644,728 to develop an automated wet wipe conversion and 식품위생교육 packaging plan<br>p> Also the first of its kind in Australia, the plant will produce plastic-free compostable wet wipes in soft packs, canisters and bulk roll<br>p> Laronix in Southport, Queensland, received $408,768 for its breakthrough artificial voice box that generates a natural sounding voic<br>p> The bionic voice is the world’s first smart wearable electronic voice prosthesis for larynx amputees or laryngectomee<br>p> Process Plants International in Coolum Beach, Queensland, got $220,500 to commercialise a sprinkling system for recovering minerals from ore<br>p> Vypex in Richmond, Victoria, received $200,000 for the development of Bluetooth system to track, trace and alert warehousing staff on item<br>p> OptoTech in Southbank, Victoria, was awarded $121,500 to develop a laser-based inspection system capable of non-contact measurements of medical implants such as parts for cochlear implant<br>p> Provectus Algae in Noosaville, 식품위생교육 Queensland, will use $525,000 to commercialise its algae-based products and artificial intelligence for the food and beverage indus<br>