Centre for Global Food and Resources

Creating and applying knowledge that strengthens resilient, secure food and resource systems

We work with industry, government and international partners to build healthy, resilient and productive communities and landscapes, that are food, water and resource secure.

The Centre for Global Food and Resources is at the heart of Australian agribusiness, with deep understanding of producers, supply chains and industry drivers.

We cultivate the next generation of food, agribusiness and resource professionals through business foundations, practical experience and global connections, supported by world-class training facilities at Waite and Roseworthy.

Our innovative interdisciplinary research takes a whole-of-systems approach to address economic, policy, agribusiness and social challenges in global food systems.

Our networks extend across the globe with strong research partnerships with agricultural, food, health and environmental scientists, as well as industry, government and NGOs. 

Study global food systems with us. Explore our Masters, PhD and free online courses in agribusiness, economics and resource policy. Gain real-world experience through internships, case studies and study tours, while connecting with industry leaders and researchers. We will equip you with knowledge and practical expertise to influence policy, shape resilient food systems and lead across value chains.

Explore our research

Delivering cutting-edge research solutions for business and government, tackling global food security, sustainability, trade, and health challenges to drive informed, impactful decision-making.

Engage with us

Partner with us for research, industry links and programs in agribusiness, economics and food systems. Collaborate on real-world solutions for global food and resource challenges.

Explore the Centre for Global Food and Resources

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Research capabilities Research capabilities
Research impact Research impact
Our people Our people
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Master of Economics and Resource Policy specialising in Global Food and Agribusiness

Our program is designed around real-world learnings - in the classroom, paddock or boardroom. Network with leaders in research, agribusiness and policy, working on key issues and opportunities across sectors and right along the value chain. Connect with industry and other students through study tours, case studies and internships. We know our teaching meets the needs of agribusiness because we are constantly in conversation through our research and industry board.

Find out more

PhD in Global Food and Resources

Are you interested in working at the cutting-edge of food research, agricultural innovation and environmental economics? Our PhD program in global food studies is research-focused with topics related to economics, environment, business and policy issues affecting agricultural and food value chains, including smallholder producers in less developed countries to food consumers in Australia.

How to apply

Innovators and thought leaders with a vision for Australian agribusiness.

The Centre for Global Food and Resource’s mission is to address critical global challenges in food, water and resource systems by delivering innovative, practical solutions that support sustainable and resilient communities. Through interdisciplinary research and global partnerships, we apply rigorous methods spanning agribusiness, policy analysis, environmental science, and social innovation to drive impactful change.

Interdisciplinary research

Our centre delivers world-class interdisciplinary research addressing food, water, and environmental challenges, integrating economics, policy, science, and social disciplines for holistic solutions benefiting industries and communities globally.

Industry and government partnerships

Strong collaborations with industry leaders, government bodies, and NGOs facilitate practical applications of research, driving innovation and policy impact across agribusiness and resource management sectors.

Academic and professional training

Offering specialised Masters and PhD programs, we can build expertise in agribusiness, resource policy and food systems, blending theory with real-world experiences to develop future leaders in global food industries.

Agribusiness innovation

Focused research on agribusiness efficiency, trade and value chains supports sustainable enterprise growth, new business models, and adaptation to global market dynamics and climate pressures.

Water policy expertise

Expertise in water governance and market design, especially in Australia’s Murray Darling Basin, informing sustainable resource allocation and management strategies that balance ecological and agricultural needs.

Food system innovation

Research on food chain governance, infrastructure and technology adoption that enhances sustainability and market efficiency, advancing resilient, consumer-responsive food systems worldwide.

Environmental and social resilience

Studying healthy societies and resilient landscapes, we address climate impacts, ecosystem services, and social wellbeing to create sustainable communities grounded in strong environmental stewardship.

Knowledge exchange and industry advisory board

We connect researchers with agribusiness professionals and policymakers, ensuring research relevance, effective industry feedback, and real-world application to drive innovation and sustainable growth in food and resource systems.

We address vital economic, policy, and social challenges in global food systems.

The Centre for Global Food and Resources conducts innovative, interdisciplinary research to advance healthy, resilient agri-food, water and environmental systems.

Our global partnerships and six targeted research areas drive solutions for food policy, international development, food system innovation, water policy, healthy societies and resilient landscapes.

Food policy

Our food policy research examines private and public sector roles in food standards, assesses the public and private benefits of food labelling, and analyses consumer willingness-to-pay and welfare impacts of policy options.

International development

Our international development projects across Africa and Asia focus on improving food security, reducing poverty, understanding farming changes, driving technology adoption, empowering women, and boosting farm incomes using participatory research approaches.

Food system innovation

We research innovations in food chain governance, business models, agri-food markets and infrastructure to improve efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration in food systems through technology and strategic approaches.

Water policy

With a focus on water policy in the Murray Darling Basin, we examine irrigation, water markets, farmer behaviour and balancing environmental, social, and agricultural water values to inform effective global water management.

Healthy societies

We investigate how food production, environmental sustainability, and climate change impact health, wellbeing, diet-related diseases, and farmer mental health, exploring complex interactions within communities and food systems.

Resilient landscapes

We study resilient landscapes under climate and population pressures, focusing on ecosystem services, drought resilience, and landscape planning to support sustainable environmental management and cultural values.

We are leaders in high impact food and resources research.

Our networks extend across the globe with strong research partnerships with agricultural, food, health and environmental scientists, as well as industry, government and NGOs. We conduct world-class innovative interdisciplinary research, using a whole-of-systems approach.

We conduct research into healthy, resilient agri-food, water and environmental systems, targeting six specific research areas: 

food policy
international development
food system innovation
water policy
healthy societies
resilient landscapes

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together to advance society’s collective knowledge and address these key challenges.

Executive team

Executive Director: Professor Patrick O'Connor AM
Associate Director Agribusiness Innovation : Associate Professor Craig Johns

Academics

Associate Professor: Dr Alexandra Peralta
Senior Lecturer: Dr David Adamson
Lecturer: Dr Rida Akzar
Lecturer: Dr Akwasi Ampofo
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Anthelia Bond
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Panharoth Chhay
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Rio Maligalig

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Trang Nguyen
Research Fellow: Mr Theo Simos
Senior Lecturer: Dr Di Zeng
Research Project Officer: Mr Arman Niknam
Research Project Officer: Mr Aditya Baxi
Research Project Officer: Ms Brittany Norris

Adjuncts

Adjunct Emeritus Professor: Emeritus Professor  Kym Anderson
Adjunct Associate Professor:  Dr Sahara Djaenudin 
Adjunct Professor:  Dr Garry Griffith 
Adjunct Professor:  Professor Randy Stringer
Adjunct Emeritus Professor: Emeritus Professor Mike Young

Our research has real-world application.

We have critical skills in data analysis, evidence-based decision-making and communication, and undertake research that tackles global agricultural, food and natural resources challenges. Partner with us to address economic, policy, agribusiness and social issues affecting global food and natural systems. Through our international networks, we can connect relevant partners ranging from industry organisations and enterprises to government institutions and policy makers.

Cultivate the next generation.

Tap into our network of future agribusiness professionals by hosting us as part of a study tour. We visit local agribusinesses for an insider-peek at the mechanics of running a successful business. It’s an opportunity for you to pay it forward and shape the learning of future agribusiness professionals, and an eye-opener for our students that enhances their understanding of what it takes to make it.

Contact us

Centre for Global Food and Resources

Location
Centre for Global Food and Resources
Adelaide University
10 Pulteney Street, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5005

Phone: +61 8 8313 5540

Email: globalfood@adelaide.edu.au