Food & Fibre Gippsland

What Food & Fibre Gippsland does

Food & Fibre Gippsland Inc. is an incorporated, non-profit, membership-based regional development organization headquartered in Sale, Victoria, Australia, founded in 2019. It is positioned as the central coordinating body for Gippsland's $7 billion food and fibre sector, connecting and supporting producers, processors, distributors, and ancillary businesses across all six Local Government Authorities in the region (Wellington, East Gippsland, South Gippsland, Latrobe City, Bass Coast, and Baw Baw Shires).

Its portfolio of programmes addresses drought resilience, export market access, circular economy, workforce sustainability, horticulture extension, and food-sector innovation. Core offerings include: the Gippsland Trusted Provenance regional certification brand; VegNET Gippsland (delivered with AusVeg for horticulture growers); the Gippsland Circular Economy Hub (with Sustainability Victoria); the Informed and Supported Workers (ISW) Programme for seasonal horticulture workers; the Gippsland Connect / SME Export Hub and PASE export programmes (with Export Connect and federal funding); the Smart Specialisation Strategy (GS3, with the Latrobe Valley Authority); the Direct and Ecodex food-waste software tools (developed with RMIT University and licensed via Empauer); and the Gippsland Drought Resilience Plan, delivered as South-East Node Lead of the Vic Hub.

Revenue is generated through two streams: tiered recurring membership subscriptions (with corporate, SME, and free LGA-sponsored tiers) and project-based grants from government bodies including Agriculture Victoria, Latrobe Valley Authority, Future Drought Fund/FRRR, Sustainability Victoria, Jobs Victoria, and Regional Development Victoria. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, combining field days, webinars, social media, e-news, member directory listings, and direct LGA channel partnerships that distribute free memberships to small businesses in partner shires.

Name

Food & Fibre Gippsland

Legal name

Food & Fibre Gippsland Inc.

Website

https://foodandfibregippsland.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Food & Fibre Gippsland is a non-profit membership organisation connecting and growing Gippsland's $7 billion food and fibre sector, delivering export, drought resilience, circular economy, workforce, and innovation programmes for producers, processors, and distributors across six partner LGAs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Industry Development Services

NAICS

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (11)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAGAI

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Environmental & Conservation Organizations

SECONDARYBPAGALAD

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (Fair Trade, Food Access, Regenerative)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Enterprises & Impact Organizations

Keywords

• Regional industry development
• Membership organization services
• Agricultural export facilitation
• Food and fibre advocacy
• Workforce development programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Sale

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: Annual membership fees paid by food and fibre producers, processors, distributors, and supporting businesses across Gippsland. Membership fees can be paid upfront or in quarterly installments (quarterly payments increase the overall fee by approx. 20%). Fees vary by membership tier based on business size.
2. Grant funding: Project-based funding from government bodies including Agriculture Victoria, Latrobe Valley Authority, Future Drought Fund, FRRR, Sustainability Victoria, Jobs Victoria, and Regional Development Victoria to deliver programs such as the Informed and Supported Workers Program, VegNET, drought resilience projects, and the Gippsland Circular Economy Hub.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Food & Fibre Gippsland is a non-profit incorporated association that operates as the membership-based industry body for Gippsland's $7 billion food and fibre sector. It sells annual memberships (with a free tier for small businesses via partner LGAs) and delivers a portfolio of programs spanning industry advocacy, export facilitation, workforce support, drought resilience, circular economy, horticulture development, and regional provenance branding (Gippsland Trusted Provenance).

Product overview

Food & Fibre Gippsland is a membership-based industry organization serving Gippsland's $7 billion food and fibre sector. Rather than a unified software product, the organization offers a portfolio of programs, services, and initiatives. Key offerings include the Gippsland Trusted Provenance brand (regional certification for products), VegNET Gippsland (horticulture support), the Gippsland Connect/SME Export Hub (export assistance), Direct and Ecodex software tools (food waste measurement), the Informed and Supported Workers Program (workforce support), and various drought resilience and innovation initiatives. The organization also provides a Member Directory, networking events, grant application support, and advocacy services for its membership base of food and fibre producers, processors, and related businesses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FFG Membership Annual subscription-based membership open to Gippsland food and fibre producers, processors, distributors, and supply-chain-supporting businesses. Includes voting rights at the AGM (General Members), access to events, eNews, letter of support for grant applications, social media post sharing, member logo and directory listing with SEO benefits, member deals and offers board, discounted access to the Gippsland Trusted Provenance brand, and program participation.
• Gippsland Trusted Provenance Regional provenance brand and certification that allows Gippsland food and fibre businesses to use the brandmark on marketing and packaging, signalling the clean, green, and trusted reputation of Gippsland products for domestic and export markets. Available to F&FG members at a discounted rate.
• VegNET Gippsland Regional development program providing vegetable and horticulture growers across Gippsland with information, resources, extension services, and networking opportunities to support productivity and sustainability. Delivered in partnership with AusVeg.
• Gippsland Connect / SME Export Hub Export support program providing market intelligence, network introductions, and facilitation for Gippsland SMEs to access global supply chains, with emphasis on collaborative trading platforms and logistics systems. Coordinated by Export Connect in partnership with Global Victoria Trade Alliance.
• Direct and Ecodex Two innovative software tools designed and licensed by Empauer using RMIT University technology. Direct quantifies the true cost of food waste by tracking contributing factors across logistics and production chains. Ecodex evaluates environmental impacts of products and packaging including greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land use. Available to F&FG members.
• Gippsland Circular Economy Hub Partnership initiative delivered by Food & Fibre Gippsland in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, bringing together changemakers to connect, share ideas, and shape circular economy action in Gippsland.
• Smart Specialisation Strategy (GS3) Place-based regional development initiative delivered in partnership with the Latrobe Valley Authority, fostering innovation by building on Gippsland's key strengths through the food and fibre stream, including industrial hemp feasibility, vertical farming research, and seaweed aquaculture studies.
• Gippsland Drought Resilience Plan Coordinated plan to help build resilience in Gippsland communities against drought, developed through five key themes identified during extensive community consultation. Delivered as part of the Vic Hub South-East Node with Future Drought Fund and FRRR support.
• Informed and Supported Workers (ISW) Program Pilot program providing holistic support to seasonal horticulture workers through multilingual information, training, skills development, employment support, and health/wellbeing services, with resources for both workers and growers. Delivered in partnership with AMES Australia and funded by Agriculture Victoria.
• Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards Annual awards program celebrating excellence and achievements within Gippsland's food and fibre sector. Open to members and regional producers, processors, and allied businesses.

Quantifiable outcome

• $200,000 grant awarded for PASE trade market access program (2020)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary strategic partner delivering the food and fibre stream of the Gippsland Smart Specialisation Strategy (GS3). F&FG works with LVA on smart specialisation projects including industrial hemp feasibility, vertical farming research, seaweed aquaculture studies, and the broader GS3 initiative. Gippsland is the first region outside Europe registered on the EU smart specialisation platform. LVA has also funded the Direct and Ecodex food waste programs.
• AusVegcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational industry body for vegetable growers. F&FG delivers the VegNET Gippsland program in partnership with AusVeg, supporting horticulture growers across the region with extension services, resources, and industry connections.
• Federation University AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivered the 'What's Your Food or Fibre Challenge, Gippsland?' innovation program with Federation University. Also partnered on the Smart Specialisation Strategy (GS3), with Federation University providing industry placement students (e.g., Luke Townsend for hemp/vertical farming research). Board Observer on F&FG Board.
• Deakin UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through the Smart Specialisation Strategy for the Blue Carbon Lab seaweed survey (Dr Paul Carnell lead) assessing commercial seaweed farming viability in Gippsland. Also a partner in Future Drought Fund initiatives including the Future Fodder Project. Elena Nauta from F&FG participated in field surveys with the Deakin team.
• Agriculture VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunded the Informed and Supported Workers (ISW) Program (delivered by F&FG from July 2022 to September 2023). Partner in VegNET, drought resilience projects, green dams initiatives, irrigation trials, and soil moisture monitoring. Hosted field days with F&FG involvement.
• Export ConnectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading food and agribusiness export consultants coordinating the Gippsland Connect SME Export Hub program and market insights workshops (Japan, Middle East). F&FG collaborates with Export Connect on export market intelligence and buyer introductions for Gippsland SMEs.
• Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'What's Your Food or Fibre Challenge, Gippsland?' innovation program. FIAL provides food innovation expertise and support to the program's selected SME participants.
• Regional Development VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'What's Your Food or Fibre Challenge, Gippsland?' program and the Global Victoria Trade Alliance Program for Middle East export access. Provides regional development funding and support.
• TAFE GippslandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'What's Your Food or Fibre Challenge, Gippsland?' program. Board Observer on F&FG Board. Collaborates on workforce development initiatives.
• Food Agility CRCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'What's Your Food or Fibre Challenge, Gippsland?' innovation program, contributing food technology and digital agriculture expertise.
• Wellington Shire CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six LGAs providing free FFG membership to businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Co-host of Wellington Sustainability Festival. Key partner for coordinated regional voice and economic development.
• East Gippsland ShirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six LGAs providing free FFG membership to businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Co-host of East Gippsland Field Days.
• South Gippsland ShirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six LGAs providing free FFG membership to small businesses. Partner in sustainability initiatives and agritourism development.
• Latrobe City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six LGAs providing free FFG membership to small businesses. Board Observer on F&FG Board. Host of the Morwell Innovation Centre for export events and training.
• Bass Coast ShirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six LGAs providing free FFG membership to small businesses. Partner in Bass Coast Landcare Network initiatives including multispecies pastures field days.
• Baw Baw ShirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of six LGAs providing free FFG membership to small businesses.
• Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunded the FRRR Community Immersion Tour across Central Gippsland (February 2025). CEO Natalie Egleton and Future Drought Fund team attended. F&FG hosted the tour showcasing innovation, industry transition, and diversification across the region.
• Sustainability VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Gippsland Circular Economy Hub, delivered by F&FG in partnership with Sustainability Victoria. The first in-person Circular Economy Hub meeting was held at Tinamba Hotel in March 2026. Sustainability Victoria provides funding and expertise for circular economy initiatives.
• Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (Vic Hub)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerF&FG serves as the South-East Node Lead for the Vic Hub. Delivers drought resilience projects including the Future Fodder Project, Green Dams project, topsoil trials, and the Gippsland Drought Resilience Plan. Funded by the Future Drought Fund.
• Jobs VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerF&FG delivers the Connect 2 Employment Program supported by Jobs Victoria, with Jobs Mentors spread throughout Gippsland to help job seekers find employment and support them with clothing, PPE, fuel vouchers, and training. Jobs Victoria also supports regional hospitality traineeships with wage supplements up to $10,000.
• Committee for GippslandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'What's Your Food or Fibre Challenge, Gippsland?' innovation program and the Global Victoria Trade Alliance Program.
• Trade Council of DenmarkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational trade body that has facilitated visits to Gippsland by leaders in whey protein processing technology. F&FG is exploring whey side-stream processing opportunities with Danish technology providers for Gippsland dairy processors.
• RMIT UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped the Direct and Ecodex software tools (licensed by Empauer) for food waste quantification and environmental impact measurement. RMIT information technology underpins these sustainability tools offered by F&FG to members. Professor Bruce Wilson serves as Director of the EU Centre of Excellence Social Global Studies Centre at RMIT.
• Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Smart Specialisation Strategy showcase events and sustainability initiatives. GCCN collaborates with F&FG on climate adaptation and environmental leadership programs.
• End Food Waste AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerF&FG references End Food Waste Australia as a resource for its Direct and Ecodex program participants. Australia's roadmap for reducing food waste by 2030 aligns with F&FG's supply chain sustainability programs.
• Victoria Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & IndustryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Global Victoria Trade Alliance Program for Middle East export access. Hosted roundtable meetings with MENA region representatives to discuss Gippsland export opportunities and the Gippsland Trusted Provenance brand.
• Invest GippslandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsored the Export Connect Market Insights workshop program including sessions on Japan and Singapore markets. Invest Gippsland coordinates trade missions and export opportunities for the region.
• Landcare Networks (Bass Coast Landcare Network, South Gippsland Landcare Network, Western Port Catchment Landcare)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerF&FG partners with multiple Landcare networks for field days, multispecies pasture programs, green dams projects, and drought resilience initiatives. Bass Coast Landcare Network led the multispecies pastures field day and the circular economy webinar.
• AMES AustraliaminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner in the Informed and Supported Workers Program, delivering English lessons and cultural diversity information sessions for CaLD workers in Gippsland horticulture.
• Online is EasyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWebsite support partner providing technical assistance for the F&FG website. Offers free online support sessions to members experiencing login issues.
• Little Farms (Singapore)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremium fresh food retailer in Singapore. Commercial Director Tom Gray visited Gippsland (coordinated by F&FG and Export Connect) to explore sourcing Gippsland products including dairy, artisan chocolates, bio colostrum, fresh vegetables, meat, and ice-cream for their Singapore stores.
• Gippsland Agricultural Show / Farm WorldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm World 2026 marked the official launch of F&FG's Strategic Plan 2026–29, new membership offer, and refreshed brand. The event was a milestone for connecting with members and stakeholders.
• Gippsland Circular Economy HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerF&FG delivers the Gippsland Circular Economy Hub in partnership with Sustainability Victoria. The Hub brings together changemakers from across the region to connect, share ideas, and shape the future of circular economy action in Gippsland.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Hort Innovation: National horticulture research and development corporation delivering R&D, marketing, and trade programs for Australian horticulture. Functions as a parallel industry development and program-delivery body for the horticulture segment that VegNET Gippsland specifically serves.
• AgriFutures Australia: Federal Rural Research and Development Corporation supporting new and emerging agricultural industries. Comparable to F&FG's innovation program portfolio (e.g., industrial hemp, seaweed, vertical farming feasibility work) at a national scale.
• National Farmers' Federation: Australia's peak national body representing farmers and the agricultural sector. A broader incumbent comparable to F&FG in advocacy, policy representation, and cross-industry coordination, though operating nationally rather than regionally.
• Regional Development Australia: Australian Government–funded network of regional development committees across Australia. Operates with similar regional economic development, investment attraction, and program delivery functions to F&FG, but at a broader, federally-backed level across all industries.
• Dairy Australia: National industry services body for the Australian dairy industry. Operates as a research, development, and marketing organization funded by farmer levies — a broader incumbent in the same agricultural industry body category that several F&FG dairy members (Gippsland Jersey, Hillside Dairies) also engage with.

Direct peers

• AusVeg: National peak industry body for Australian vegetable and potato growers. AusVeg is a current F&FG program partner (VegNET Gippsland) and shares the same membership-based industry body model targeting horticulture producers.
• Food South Australia: State-level food industry body supporting South Australian food and beverage businesses through industry development, export, and innovation programs. A close functional peer to F&FG's role within Gippsland, operating at a state scale.
• Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL): National industry body that catalyzes innovation and growth across Australia's food and agribusiness sector. Directly comparable to F&FG as a food industry development organization delivering programs, partnerships, and capability-building for food manufacturers and producers.

Others

• Export Council of Australia: National peak body supporting Australian exporters. While not a food-and-fibre specialist, it parallels F&FG's SME export facilitation work (Gippsland Connect, PASE, trade missions) and serves as a complementary ecosystem participant.

Regional players

• Committee for Gippsland: Regional economic leadership body for Gippsland covering multiple sectors. A current F&FG partner, it overlaps with F&FG in regional advocacy, government liaison, and investment attraction but does not specialize in food and fibre — making it a regional peer rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/foodandfibregippsland
• Xx.com/ffgippsland
• Facebookfacebook.com/FoodandFibreGippsland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/food-fibre-gippsland

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Food & Fibre Gippsland