Hidden environmental costs make food production more vulnerable than society has estimated and consumers should prepare for continuing rising food prices, a new report has shown.

Lead author Kirsten Larsen, based at the University of Melbourne, says food production will be increasingly challenged by changing climate, dwindling supplies of cheap oil and declining water and soil resources.

“What has become patently clear is that major innovations – well beyond efficiency improvements in existing food production – are needed, and soon, if we are to have good food to feed all Victorians and to meet export demands.”

Full media release and key findings attached above, the report can be downloaded from the library page - www.ecoinnovation.com/pages/library.php

Contact for further information: Kirsten Larsen, Ph. 8344 9189, 0425 794 848, Email: klarsen@unimelb.edu.au

VICTORIA could face food shortages as rising demand meets diminishing resources such as water, a new report has warned.

The report says access to domestically-produced healthy food could be jeopardised as rising water prices force farmers to send produce off to higher earning international markets.

See http://theweeklytimes.com.au/common/story_page/0,4511,23725477%255E3482,00.html

VICTORIA'S ability to feed itself is threatened by new farming practices and cheap imported fruit and vegetables, warns a major food report commissioned by the State Government.

For full report, see http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/fears-over-states-food-security/2008/05/17/1210765260575.html

VICTORIANS should brace themselves for rising food prices and shortages as climate change and lack of water affect local supplies.

A report from Melbourne University's Victorian Eco-Innovation Laboratory has warned Victoria's agriculture sector should switch to food systems that use less water and can cope with a changing climate.

Full article and comments see: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23719901-2862,00.html