Jacob Birch Email & Phone Number

Jacob is passionate about native Australian grains that have been used by Australia's First Nations Peoples for at least 65,000 years, and the potential they have in a modern context. Jacob envisions a future where First Nations people are engaging with all types of food production to increase food security, food diversity and as a way of strengthening culture through reestablishing First Nations foodways. Through traditional land management practices - led by First Nations people, complemented with modern science, technology and innovation - Jacob sees an opportunity to achieve positive social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits, for all Australians. Jacob's passion for native grains has led him into the entrepreneurial space where he aims to incorporate the most innovative, disruptive and equitable business theories into a working model that not only proves the viability of the native grain industry, but showcases new ways of doing business that is First Nations led.Multidisciplinary academic duties at Southern Cross University provides Jacob with the opportunity to influence the emerging leaders of the regenerative agriculture movement. Jacob also freelances on a range of projects, including leading the development of the AgriFutures funded Native Grains Industry Strategic RD&E Plan. Jacob has been a senior researcher in residence at the Yunus Centre. And he is now undertaking a PhD at the University of Queensland.