Summary

This project established a model for a new agribusiness in northern Australia based on native medicinal plants. It combined science and traditional Indigenous knowledge to develop a prototype range of natural healthcare products, to be marketed nationally and internationally.

The project serves as a model for the collaborative and commercial development of an untapped natural resource, involving Indigenous enterprises, Indigenous rangers, researchers and a leading natural healthcare company with established markets in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. Raw materials – in the form of medicinal plants – will be sourced from northern Australia and scientifically evaluated at the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin and The University of Queensland in Brisbane.

Integria Healthcare explored the development and marketing of new topical products using native plant extracts as active ingredients, while Traditional Homeland Enterprises established a sustainable supply chain in northern Australia. Benefit-sharing and intellectual property management were conducted in accordance with best current practices.

Publications

• 7/11/2019 Greg Leach (Menzies School of Health Research)  and Dave Hewitt (Wild Orchard Kakadu Plum) – Enabling a traditional Australian medicinal plant agribusiness: from the land to the lab and back again; a pilot project pdf 1.51 MB

Expected outcomes

• Within 3 to 5 years, even with modest market penetration in the topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory sectors, the project value impact could reach $2 million per annum. Over the longer-term (5 to 10 years), this could grow to $20 million per annum, assuming successful marketing and international uptake.
• The project supports the development of a local industry with opportunities for Indigenous workforce participation, sustainable regional development in northern Australia, and the potential export of uniquely Australian, value-added products.