Hanging Wheat

What seeds should we plant to feed the future?

Wheat is the world’s most widely grown crop, supplying about 20% of our daily calories and protein. By 2050, global demand for wheat is expected to rise by 60%, meaning we’ll need to produce twice as much per year to feed everyone.  

Researchers at Adelaide University’s Waite Campus have access to world-class infrastructure and study plants under various stress conditions. Their work explores how plant traits and new farming methods can improve climate resilience in crops and build a more sustainable food future.

‘As the population grows and farmland shrinks, developing nutritious, climate-resilient crops is essential to meet future food demand.’

Associate Professor Bettina Berger, Adelaide University, Australian Plant Phenomics Network

How can ancient knowledge shape new futures?

Over 90% of Adelaide’s native grasslands have been lost through colonial practices, disrupting traditional food sources, cultural fire practices, and leading to mass extinctions throughout the living cultural landscape.

At Kanyanyapilla – Place of Many Eagles – on Mullawirra Yerta (Dry Forest Country – Kaurna Meyunna), cultural regeneration of native grasses is being led by Elder Karl Winda Telfer. Through Traditional Owner self-determination, the restoration of vital ecosystems is occurring through ancient knowledge systems connected to Country and kin.

Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), once a widely harvested traditional food source, is pivotal to the restoration of Country and culture. Its return strengthens cultural food systems, supports biodiversity, and reconnects community with seasonal practices.

“My ancestors walked softly in the past. It’s time to walk softly together, guided by old wisdom to find new ways for the coming generations.” 

Karl Winda Telfer, Burka Senior Man

How can we grow more with less?

Growing food in space means rethinking how we sustain life. The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space is developing technologies to grow food, medicines and materials with less waste and reduce reliance on resupply, benefiting both space missions and sustainability on Earth.

Professor Matthew Gilliham, Director of Plants for Space, says they are ‘reimagining plant design allowing them to reach their maximum potential in controlled environments in optimal temperature, nutrition and light.’



Take Plants for Space’s work with duckweed: it’s a plant that doubles in size every two days, is packed with nutrients, has no waste, and can even be used to make medicines and plastics. It’s ideal for navigating the complex sustainability challenges of space.

Dr Richard Harvey, Chief Operating Officer of Plants for Space says, ‘Space is the ultimate closed loop system. If you can grow things in space, you can grow them anywhere.’