Dr Penny Roberts1,2,3
1South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Clare, Australia, 2The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, Australia, 3Mallee Sustainable Farming, Tailem Bend/Mildura, Australia
Biography:
Dr Penny Roberts has a passion for the application of agricultural science to address challenges such as adaptation of farming systems to a changing climate, overcoming production constraints and supplying a growing population with nutritious food. Penny has taken on a new role of Research Manager at Mallee Sustainable Farming covering the Mallee environments in SA, VIC and NSW, is an Affiliate Associate Lecturer at The University of Adelaide, and formally a Research Scientist at SARDI. Penny is passionate researcher who has recently pursued research opportunities to contribute to the development of pulse protein production and processing in Australia.
Abstract:
The emerging plant protein industry has led to increased research interest in pulse protein. After three years of agronomic research, it was evident there was an opportunity to engage with, learn from, and build collaborative R&D efforts with leaders in this field internationally. This became the driver for applying to The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to upskill research and development providers in Australia’s emerging pulse protein sector. Prior to undertaking a 5 ½ week study tour to Canada, USA, UK, the Netherland, and Spain in 2023, engagement was undertaken with key stakeholders and researchers across the value chain in Australia to scope current gaps in knowledge and refine the objectives of the study. The study tour identified several key research priority areas. This includes, increasing the starting protein content of the raw product, methods of reducing off flavours, allergen risks and anti-nutritional characteristics through breeding and processing technologies, and the creation of new high value products from the bi-products (fibre and starch) of the pulse protein manufacturing process. Sharing the knowledge of the Churchill Fellowship aims to support the growing pulse protein industry in Australia.