12 September 2019

First Hand Solutions have partnered with the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and UTS Business School to present the inaugural National Indigenous Bush Food Symposium.

Growing national and international markets in Indigenous bushfood and botanicals together with research activities aimed at production of pharmaceuticals and other products have long needed stronger participation and control by Indigenous knowledge holders.

The bush food market alone, is currently valued at $20 million annually but it is estimated that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up only 1-2% of the market presence.

This Symposium will specifically target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups who bring their knowledge and expertise to the sector, to share experiences, information and consider ways to increase Indigenous control of this sector.

Day One of the Symposium will showcase success stories, provide information about legal structures and market trends, barriers to business and strategies to strengthen Indigenous participation by:

1. Providing knowledge and information on the bushfood sector and the opportunities it presents 2. Outline business development approaches for Indigenous groups either working in or looking to enter the bushfood sector 3. Provide information on how to manage intellectual property in bushfoods 4. Deliver a short workshop to help you present your bushfood business idea to stakeholders 5. Connect participants with industry and government bodies that can assist 6. Create connections and initiate coordination of activities for Indigenous Groups in the bushfood, botanical and medicinal native plants sector

Day Two will address issues around copyright and intellectual property and also the need for the development and ratification of a code of conduct along with the steps needed for an Indigenous lead group which not only advocates but also takes steps to increase Aboriginal participation in all parts of this supply chain.

The Symposium is free to attend.

You can register for Day one or Day two or both.

There is some travel sponsorship available for people travelling from remote communities to Sydney but you must register to qualify.

Register Here

Date:  Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 November

Venue: Tower Three, International Towers, Barangaroo, Sydney