Native foods important to growth of farming
A Nuffield report by Marlon Motlop, a proud Larrakia/Gulumeorrgin, Kungarrakany Erub/Darnley man, has highlighted the importance of Australian native foods such as the Kakadu plum, Warrigal greens and Rock fuchsia.
His report has called for increased First Nations leadership in the rapidly growing industry.
Nuffield Australia awards scholarships each year to farmers in Australia.
Connecting farming knowledge
The objective is to increase practical farming knowledge and management skills and techniques generally.
Marlon, a former Port Adelaide footballer, has taken a deep dive into how Australian Native Foods connect people, culture and country.
His Nuffield scholarship, supported by Woolworths and Nuffield Australia, saw him visit Aboriginal Land Councils and Corporations across northern Australia, as well as travel to North and South America, Europe, Singapore and New Zealand to meet with other Indigenous farmers and food business owners, and learn more about supply chains and markets.
Marlon, who owns a Australian native foods business, Native Kitchen Australia, said Native Foods are more than ingredients – they are stories, traditions, and a bridge between cultures.
“In the report and through my Nuffield travels I explore how understanding, sharing and celebrating Native Foods can be a powerful conversation starter for topics including reconciliation,” he said.
Industry growth
“The role Australian Native Foods play from a cultural perspective is a pillar in the lore of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Marlon found the Australian Native Foods industry is growing quickly, with more people interested in their unique flavours and health benefits.
He has argued that First Nations knowledge and cultural protocols are essential for growing and sharing these foods in a way that respects culture and country.
“Major challenges remain for Indigenous-led Native Food businesses, including risks of cultural exploitation, barriers to market access, and the need for stronger protection of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property,” he said.
“We’re talking about the protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to their cultural heritage, including knowledge, stories and creations.”
Marlon has made recommendations to address these challenges, and grow the Australian Native Food industry sustainably and ethically.
His recommendations include:
- Strengthen Intellectual Property and Traditional Knowledge protection
- Build consumer trust through authentic branding
- Greater investment in research and development
- Secure sustainable supply chains through capability and capacity building for First Nations agribusiness
- Increased capital investment in First Nations agriculture businesses
- Majority share of First Nations-owned bush food businesses
- Culturally safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance structures for First Nations businesses in the Native Foods sector
“This report is about more than food – it’s about respect, opportunity, and working together for a better future,” Marlon said.
Marlon presented his findings at the 2025 Nuffield Conference in Adelaide, full presentation and report can be found on the Nuffield Australia website:
