Bryce Ives in conversation with Australian start-up Eden Brew

Last week, the ABC reported that lab-brewed milk might hit Australian shelves as early as 2025. This innovative venture is led by Australian start-up Eden Brew, which has secured an impressive $25 million in investments, including support from local music legends Bernard Fanning and Angus Stone, and the backing of Australian dairy co-operative Norco, Inc. a key co-founder.

This development marks a significant strategic move for Australia, boasting a thriving $3 billion-a-year dairy industry that provides employment for over 40,000 individuals.

Having closely followed this fascinating journey, I had the honour of chairing a thought-provoking conversation earlier this year at AgriFutures evokeAG. I had the pleasure of discussing this groundbreaking initiative with Jim Fader, CEO of Eden Brew, and Michael Hampson, CEO of Norco Co-operative. They shared insights into their collaborative efforts to create animal-free, precision-fermented milk. What's truly inspiring is how this cooperative model is not only revolutionizing the dairy industry but also fostering more resilient supply chains. Additionally, it's playing a vital role in enhancing the profit models for farmers within Australia's largest dairy cooperative.

This development exemplifies the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of our agricultural landscape. I'm excited about the transformative potential this holds and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our dairy industry and beyond. Here's to a future of sustainable, innovative, and ethical practices in agriculture! 🌱