The NorVicFoods venture
The NorVicFoods venture listens and engages deeply with businesses in the region and draws on University of Melbourne expertise to solve issues faced by agri-food businesses in the value chain to build skills, create jobs and increase economic prosperity.
The purpose-built venture aims to create high-value jobs in the region over four years empowering the community with the knowledge, skills and resources to develop tangible solutions to challenges in the agri-food sector.
Based in the Goulburn Valley, NorVicFoods has been established to bring together research and innovation in science, technology, engineering and policy to enhance the Hume region’s agri-food businesses and deliver economic value to the area.
Our achievements
Between June 2021 and September 2025, NorVicFoods has hosted 63 Masters student interns with 11 agri-food industry partners within the Hume Region. Two students now have full-time jobs in the Hume region. We have sponsored 13 students across various stages of their educational journey.
63 Masters student internships
with 11 agri-food industry partners like Fonterra, SPC and more.
13 students sponsored
including 10 grants in aid and 2 full PhD scholarships.
9 events held in the region
including breakfast panel events, workshops and networking evenings.
Case studes
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Sharon Witan
Sharon Witan, a food science and biotechnology graduate from Indonesia, undertook her internship through NorVicFoods during the final year of her Master’s in Food and Packaging Innovation at the University of Melbourne.
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Fonterra
NorVicFoods first focus was a feasibility study of grass-fed claims in dairy farming and the data required from dairy farmers to substantiate these claims. This case study highlights this initial project to showcase NVFv's achievements to-date and its future potential.
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Akshaya Suresh
Akshaya, a final-year Master of Food Science student at the University of Melbourne, undertook her internship with NorVicFoods over the 2020 summer semester.
Gallery
Our partners
