A Table Top-based biotech company is one of only two Australian finalists in the 2020 Future Food Asia Award, which recognises global agtech innovation.
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ProAgni, co-founded by agribusiness consultant and rural entrepreneur Fiona Soulsby, has edged out dozens of international agtech start-ups vying for the US$100,000 prize.
It was recognised for its range of cattle and sheep feed supplements that not only maintain animal health but, critically, show "significant improvements in daily gain and feed conversion are achievable without the use of antibiotics to promote growth".
Ms Soulsby said being shortlisted was not only an acknowledgement of Australian agricultural science and innovation, but important recognition of the major challenges facing production - profitability, emissions and non-therapeutic antibiotic use.
"ProAgni developed a product which optimises digestion, by focusing on rumen fermentation and it has delivered significant improvements in productivity for livestock producers without the use of antibiotics, this is something we are really proud of and is just the start for us," she said.
"Issues like managing the drought and rising costs of production, experienced by producers in Australia need better solutions from science.
"So, building on the work of scientists, we are also developing shelf-stable probiotic technology, that will turn waste products such as methane or harmful bacteria into energy, which will result in healthier animals, more efficient food production and a smaller environmental footprint."
In announcing the shortlist for the awards, jury member Isabelle Decitre commented: "The current state of our world has cast light on the prominent role of agriculture and food innovation, and stakes in the Asia-Pacific are higher than ever."
ProAgni is among finalists from the US, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Israel and Singapore.
The biotech pioneer also won gold for agricultural innovation at this year's Edison Awards, has previously been a winner of the Beef Australia Pitch in the Paddock and a finalist in MLA's Producer Innovation Awards.
Finalists will present their innovations to the jury as well as investors, industry leaders and domain experts in September, via Zoom instead of Singapore due to coronavirus travel restrictions.
