Agri-food restructuring: A synthesis of recent Australian research

Globalizing tendencies within capitalism are leading to important alterations in the structure of agricultural production and the ways food companies are involving themselves in processing and marketing. Increasingly, finance capital and transnational agribusiness have sought ways to influence, and in some cases redirect, farming activities in Australia. The penetration of farming structures by corporate capital has been hastened by state deregulation. Rather than providing detailed empirical evidence, this paper presents a broad synthesis of recent Australian research with the aim of informing readers otherwise unaware of events in the Antipodes of the forms and impacts of agri-food change in Australia.

Physical properties and fluidization behaviour of fresh green bean particulates during fluidized bed drying

Changes in the physical properties (such as particle density, bulk density of the bed, shrinkage and bed porosity) of fresh green bean particulates were investigated during drying. Three length:diameter ratios (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1) were considered, using drying conditions of 50 +/- 2 degrees C and 13 +/- 2% relative humidity in a heat pump dehumidifier system. The fluidization behaviour was also evaluated at 10 levels of moisture content. The fluidization experiments demonstrated that the minimum fluidization velocity decreases as the drying proceeds due to the reduced moisture content and changes in the physical properties of the bean particulates. Empirical relationships of the following nature were developed for the change in shrinkage [VR = 1 - Be-kMR], particle density [rho(p) = A + BMR + C (exp)(-D MR)], bulk density [rho(b) = a(1) + b(1)MR + c(1)MR(2)] and bed porosity [epsilon = a(2) + b(2)MR + c(2)MR(2)] with the moisture content during fluidized bed drying.

Methods for effective fluidization of particulate food materials

Depending on the size and shape of the materials, methods employed to achieve effective fluidization during fluid bed drying varies from use of simple hole distributors for small, light weight materials to special techniques for lager and/or moist materials. This paper reviews common air distributors used in fluidized bed drying of food particulates. Also it reviews special methods of fluidizing larger irregular food particulates.

Insulin-like growth factor-I and transferrin mediate growth and survival of Chinese hamster ovary cells

The aim of this investigation was to elucidate the roles of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and transferrin in the survival and proliferation of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells upon withdrawal of serum. For this purpose, we employed DNA analysis and now cytometry to compare CHO cell lines expressing either IGF-I alone or IGF-I and transferrin. The ability of cells to cycle and the occurrence of apoptosis were monitored in these cells in serum-free medium. These results indicate that IGF-I alone is able to maintain the viability of CHO cells for an extended length of time in the absence of serum. Transferrin alone does not promote survival or proliferation. Only in the presence of both IGF-I and transferrin do cells survive and proliferate. Therefore, in attached CHO cultures, IGF-I alone does not stimulate cell proliferation but is a requirement for growth in serum-free medium in cooperation with transferrin. We report on the dual role of IGF-I as a survival factor in CHO cells and its interlocking role with transferrin to stimulate cell growth.

Osmolarity effects on observed insect cell size after baculovirus infection are avoided using growth medium for sample dilution

Rates of cell size increase are an important measure of success during the baculovirus infection process. Batch and fed batch cultures sustain large fluctuations in osmolarity that can affect the measured cell volume if this parameter is not considered during the sizing protocol. Where osmolarity differences between the sizing diluent and the culture broth exist, biased measurements of size are obtained as a result of the cell osmometer response. Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells are highly sensitive to volume change when subjected to a change in osmolarity. Use of the modified protocol with culture supernatants for sample dilution prior to sizing removed the observed error during measurement.

Physicochemical characteristics of LR3-IGF1 protein inclusion bodies: Electrophoretic mobility studies

A knowledge of the physicochemical properties of inclusion bodies is important for the rational design of potential recovery processes such as flotation and precipitation. In this study, measurement of the size and electrophoretic mobility of protein inclusion bodies and cell debris was undertaken. SDS-PAGE analysis of protein inclusion bodies subjected to different cleaning regimes suggested that electrophoretic mobility provides a qualitative measure of protein inclusion body purity. Electrophoretic mobility as a function of electrolyte type and ionic strength was investigated. The presence of divalent ions produced a stronger effect on electrophoretic mobility compared with monovalent ions. The isoelectric point of cell debris was significantly lower than that for the inclusion bodies. Hence, the contaminating cell debris may be separated from inclusion bodies using flotation by exploiting this difference in isoelectric points. Separation by this method is simple, convenient, and a possible alternative to the conventional route of centrifugation.

Measuring the interaction forces between protein inclusion bodies and an air bubble using an atomic force microscope

Interaction forces between protein inclusion bodies and an air bubble have been quantified using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The inclusion bodies were attached to the AFM tip by covalent bonds. Interaction forces measured in various buffer concentrations varied from 9.7 nN to 25.3 nN (+/- 4-11%) depending on pH. Hydrophobic forces provide a stronger contribution to overall interaction force than electrostatic double layer forces. It also appears that the ionic strength affects the interaction force in a complex way that cannot be directly predicted by DLVO theory. The effects of pH are significantly stronger for the inclusion body compared to the air bubble. This study provides fundamental information that will subsequently facilitate the rational design of flotation recovery system for inclusion bodies. It has also demonstrated the potential of AFM to facilitate the design of such processes from a practical viewpoint.

Age gelation of UHT milk - A review

Gelation of UHT milk during storage (age gelation) is a major factor limiting its shelf-life. The gel which forms is a three-dimensional protein matrix initiated by interactions between the whey protein beta -lactoglobulin and the kappa -casein of the casein micelle during the high heat treatment. These interactions lead to the formation of a beta -lactoglobulin-kappa -casein complex (beta kappa -complex). A feasible mechanism of age gelation is based on a two-step process; in the first step, the beta kappa -complexes dissociate from the casein micelles due to the breakdown of multiple anchor sites on kappa -casein, and in the second step, these complexes aggregate into a three-dimensional matrix. When a critical volume concentration of the beta kappa -complex is attained, a gel of custard-like consistency is formed. Significant factors which influence the onset of gelation include the nature of the heat treatment, proteolysis during storage, milk composition and quality, seasonal milk production factors and storage temperature. In this review, age gelation is discussed in terms of these factors, causative mechanisms and procedures for controlling it.

Patents and the CGIAR system of International Agricultural Research Centres' germplasm collections under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

A key controversy in negotiating the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the likely long-term effectiveness of the agreement, is the way in which the intellectual property provisions are interpreted and applied to the key genetic resources forming the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) system of International Agricultural Research Centres' (IARC) collections. This paper reviews the intellectual property provisions in the treaty and examines the likely consequences from patenting under the Patents Act 1990 over materials derived from these collections. The consequence is argued to be significant and, over time, these practices are likely to deplete the usefulness of these collections and undermine the relevance of the treaty. The paper concludes that Australia's interests might best be served by arguing that access to these collections, and the other materials under the treaty, be subject to a non-exclusive, royalty free licence for any use of the derived materials to develop useful new plant varieties.

Two decades of the Brazilian Standard for Marketing of Baby Food: are there reasons to celebrate?

Objective. To assess the impact that the Brazilian Standard for Marketing of Baby Food (Norma Brasileira de Comercializacao de Alimentos para Lactentes) have had on breastfeeding rates and regulating the marketing of breast-milk substitutes. Methods. Data were retrieved from a national survey conducted in 2000 that administered structured questionnaires to nine different groups. A total of 2 848 surveys were completed. Cluster sampling was employed to randomly select a sample from 159 towns located in the 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District. Results. The survey showed that participants possess satisfactory knowledge regarding the importance of breastfeeding and its ideal duration period. During the past two decades, the median duration of breastfeeding has increased, but it is still below desired levels. The mother`s return to work, maternal health issues, perception of insufficient breast milk, and information provided by health professionals were among reasons given for early termination of breastfeeding. Knowledge of the Brazilian standard was very limited, even among health professionals. Conclusions. Breastfeeding promotion in Brazil should focus on overcoming the cultural, educational, and economic barriers identified from among the various groups assessed. Interagency cooperation should include public, private, and third-parties, and focus on disseminating breastfeeding information and promoting the desirability of breastfeeding. Barriers to cooperation should be tackled in order to ensure that the main goal of the Brazilian standard-protection of infant health-can be achieved.

Demand elasticities for food products in Brazil: a two-stage budgeting system

The object of this article is to estimate demand elasticities for a basket of staple food important for providing the caloric needs of Brazilian households. These elasticities are useful in the measurement of the impact of structural reforms on poverty. A two-stage demand system was constructed, based on data from Household Expenditure Surveys (POF) produced by IBGE (The Brazilian Bureau of Statistics) in 1987/88 and 1995/96. We have used panel data to estimate the model, and have calculated income, own-price, and cross-price elasticities for eight groups of goods and services and, in the second stage, for 11 sub groups of staple food products. We estimated those elasticities for the whole sample of consumers and for two income groups.

Investigating the gap between citizens` sustainability attitudes and food purchasing behaviour: empirical evidence from Brazilian pork consumers

Consumers worldwide are increasingly concerned with sustainable production and consumption. Recently, a comprehensive study ranked 17 countries in regard to their environmentally friendly behaviour among consumers. Brazil was one of the top countries in the list. Yet, several studies highlight significant differences between consumers` intentions to consume ethically, and their actual purchase behaviour: the so-called `Attitude-Behaviour Gap`. In developing countries, few studies have been conducted on this issue. The objective of this study is therefore to investigate the gap between citizens` sustainability-related attitudes and food purchasing behaviour using empirical data from Brazil. To this end, Brazilian citizens` attitudes towards pig production systems were mapped through conjoint analysis and their coexistence with relevant pork product-related purchasing behaviour of consumers was investigated through cluster analysis. The conjoint experiment was carried Out with empirical data collected from 475 respondents surveyed in the South and Center-West regions of Brazil. The results of the conjoint analysis were used for a subsequent cluster analysis in order to identify clusters of Brazilian citizens with diversified attitudes towards pig production systems, using socio-demographics, attitudes towards sustainability-related themes that are expected to influence the way they evaluate pig production systems, and consumption frequency of various pork products as clusters` background information. Three clusters were identified as `indifferent`, `environmental conscious` and `sustainability-oriented` citizens. Although attitudes towards environment and nature had indeed an influence on citizens` specific attitudes towards pig farming at the cluster level, the relationship between `citizenship` and consumption behaviour was found to be weak. This finding is similar to previous research conducted with European consumers: what people (in their role of citizens) think about pig production systems does not appear to significantly influence their pork consumption choices. Improvements in the integrated management of this chain would better meet consumers` sustainability-related expectations towards pig production systems.

The food business environment and the role of China and Brazil building a ""food bridge""

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss the economic crisis of 2008/2009 and the major impacts on developing nations and food-producing countries Within this macro-environment of food chains, there is concern that food inflation might come back sooner than expected The role of China as one of the major food consumers in the future, and Brazil, as the major food producer, is described as the food bridge, and an agenda of common development of these countries suggested. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reviews literature on muses of food inflation, production shortages, and investigation of programs to solve the problem in the future, it is also based on author`s personal insights and experience of working on this field in the last 15 years, and recent discussions in forums and interviews Findings - The major factors that jointly caused food prices increase in 2007/2008 were population growth, Income distribution, urbanization, dollar devaluations, commodity funds, social programs, production shortages, and bionic`s A list of ten policies is suggested. horizontal expansion of food production, vertical expansion, reduction in transaction costs, in protectionism and other taxes, investment in logistics, technology and better coordination, contracts, new generation of fertilizers and to use the best sources of biofuels. Originality/value - Two major outputs from this paper are the ""food demand model"" that inserts in one model the trends and muses of food inflation and the solutions, and the ""food bridge concept"" that also aligns in one box the imminent major food chain cooperation between China and Brazil

FOOD, FUEL, FORESTS, AND THE PRICING OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science[DE-FG02-94ER61937]