Harvest to Health

three men inspecting rice crop
man inspecting tea tree

Our focus

A local, national and global approach to health through sustainable food and natural products

Sustainable food systems and natural product innovation are key to improving human health, supporting resilient communities, and enhancing environmental wellbeing. These systems are increasingly vital as we face rising health challenges, climate pressures, and the need for more ethical, traceable supply chains.

Southern Cross University’s Harvest to Health research cluster delivers cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research that spans plant science, functional foods, and human health. Our work enhances the sustainable production of high-value foods and natural compounds, assessing their potential to optimise health outcomes and reduce disease risk. From soil to shelf, our researchers explore the full value chain, developing nutrient-rich crops, validating bioactive compounds, and investigating their effects on wellbeing.

By integrating agricultural innovation with biomedical science, we’re creating healthier futures for people, communities, and the planet.

Coffee in hand
Our projects and research focus on:
  • Plant science and crop innovation to develop resilient, nutrient-rich crops for sustainable production.
  • Exploring the links between diet, natural products, and chronic disease prevention.
  • Bioactive compounds and functional foods to promote health and reduce disease risk.
  • Bush medicine
  • Enhancing traceability, ethical sourcing, and environmental outcomes from production to consumption.
  • Collaborating with growers, producers, and health professionals to translate research into real-world impact.

World-class natural product research facilities

Including ARL, one of Australia's two accredited facilities for analytical chemistry

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Addressing #2 Zero hunger & #3 Good health and well-being

Integrating knowledge

Integrating the wisdom of traditional knowledge with the rigour of cutting-edge science

One minute with

Our Researchers

Associate Professor Tobias Kretzschmar with rice crop

Tobias Kretzschmar

Professor

Crop and pasture production, Horticultural crop growth and development, Plant cell and molecular biology, Plant secondary metabolism

Professor Jon Wardle in the Lismore campus library

Jon Wardle

Professor

Integrative health care, Functional foods and nutrition, Complementary and traditional medicine, Public health and policy, Sustainable primary care solutions

Professor Bronwyn Barkla in Plant Science lab

Bronwyn Barkla

Professor

Plant biology and crop physiology, Abiotic stress and salinity tolerance, Proteomics and mass spectrometry, Protein purification and function, Sustainable agriculture and resilient plants