Bushfood 

In recent times, there has been a dramatic rise in interest in animals, insects and plants traditionally used as food by Aboriginal people, commonly known as ‘bushfoods’.

The Australian Bushfoods industry is built on the Indigenous Ecological Knowledge of First Nations people however it is estimated Aboriginal businesses account for less than 15% of the industry.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Aboriginal Economic Development unit has developed two targeted bushfoods guides with, and for, existing and aspiring Aboriginal businesses to support Aboriginal representation in the bushfoods industry. The guides were written by leading Indigenous law firm, Terri Janke and Company in collaboration with Aboriginal businesses.

 

Setting up for success: Bushfoods

This ‘how to’ guide provides a practical tool for Aboriginal businesses wanting to enter or increase their participation in the burgeoning Australian bushfoods industry. The guide identifies the product development, governance, funding and legal considerations that bushfood businesses need to consider when producing, harvesting, manufacturing, developing and selling bushfoods and related products to consumers.

Protection of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge for bushfood businesses

The Protection of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge for bushfood businesses guide outlines international and national obligations regarding bushfood businesses, Access and Benefit Sharing Agreements and best practice protocols for the protection of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and Indigenous Ecological Knowledge.

DPIRD thanks Blak Markets, Bush Medijina, the First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance Australia, Indigiearth, Kungkas Can Cook, the Northern Australia Aboriginal Kakadu Plum Alliance (NAAKPA), Noongar Land Enterprises (NLE) and Outback Academy Australia for sharing their stories for the case studies in the guides and everyone else who contributed.

These guides provide general information only. If you require specific business or legal advice, it is highly recommended that you seek further assistance and contact the Aboriginal Economic Development unit by emailing aed@dpird.wa.gov.au or calling 0459 867 908.