Tuesday, 05 November 2024 13:19

New tricks from food science at international conference

Written by  Staff Reporters
Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh

Can discarded beef skins become premium dog food? Would camel milk work for your morning flat white? These are just two of the questions that will be answered next week at an international conference in Palmerston North.

Food scientists from around the globe will be heading to Massey University in Palmerston North from November 12-15 for the 17th International Hydrocolloids Conference. It is the first time the top-level food science conference has been held in New Zealand in its 32-year history.

Hydrocolloids form the building blocks of food and influence food texture, flavour, shelf life, digestion and nutrition. They may be naturally present or added to food products to enhance quality attributes.

 Hosted by the Riddet Institute at Massey University, the Conference will bring together around 200 scientists from more than 20 countries, including leaders from the International Hydrocolloids Society. The magic of milk proteins, gut health advances, and precision fermentation of proteins are among the many innovative subjects scheduled via more than 100 presentations, with multiple talks occurring in three adjacent venues.

 Organising committee chair Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh says the 17th event will be a milestone conference, with the latest findings and trends in the sustainable production, processing, technical functionality and health benefits of hydrocolloids.

 “In the face of global crises, including pandemics, wars, and climate issues, it is now more important than ever that we find sustainable solutions for the world’s food system,” says Singh.

“The fact that leading scientists from across the globe will be meeting in Palmerston North puts Aotearoa New Zealand firmly on the map as a key player in the future of food science.”

 The four-day event is supported by several industry and research organisations including Fonterra Research & Development Centre, Palmerston North City Council, AgResearch, Massey University, and Yili Group. 

The Riddet Institute is a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE), hosted by Massey University in Palmerston North, focusing on human nutrition and food research. For more, see https://17ihc.org/

More like this

Farmers Lead Sustainability Push: Woodchip bioreactor cuts nitrate runoff in Manawatu

Claims that farmers are polluters of waterways and aquifers and 'don't care' still ring out from environmental groups and individuals. The phrase 'dirty dairying' continues to surface from time to time. But as reporter Peter Burke points out, quite the opposite is the case. He says, quietly and behind the scenes, farmers are embracing new ideas and technologies to make their farms sustainable, resilient, environmentally friendly and profitable.

Massey study tests impact of solar panels on grass growth

Many farmers have invested in solar energy for dairy sheds or houses, but little hard data exists on the viability of solar panels in open paddocks or the loss of drymatter this may cause. Massey University scientist Dr Sam Wilson is conducting research to get more information about this. Rural News reporter Peter Burke went to investigate.

From Nelson to Dairy Research: Amy Toughey’s Journey

Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.

Featured

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

US tariffs hit European ag machinery markets

The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from  all walks of life – the governor general,  politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and  friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Red faced

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter