The Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food and Environments (CRC SAAFE) is an industry-led collaboration between industry, researchers, government, and the community that will address the impacts of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on Australia’s agribusinesses, conducting research aligned with Australia’s National AMR Strategy.

AMR threatens lives and livelihoods. Its global spread poses an immense challenge to human health, food security and economic prosperity. Antimicrobials such as antibiotics, antifungals and antiviral medicines are essential for preventing and treating infections and diseases in humans, animals and plants. AMR is internationally recognised as a global crisis, projected to cost the global economy US$100 trillion and cause 10 million deaths p.a. by 2050.

AMR is a critical challenge for food and agribusinesses as they rely on effective antimicrobials to treat disease and illness. AMR threatens animal health and welfare, sector productivity, food security, export markets access, and the environment.

CRC SAAFE will improve the monitoring of AMR risks, develop new treatment solutions, and provide actionable insights for all industry stakeholders.

Through successful AMR management, CRC SAAFE presents a significant opportunity for Australia to consolidate its market access advantage for premium quality produce and to secure the future growth of Australian agriculture.

CRC SAAFE is preparing a Stage two application for the Round 23 CRC Program (due February 2022) whilst awaiting to hear the outcome of the stage one application (due December 2021). We are actively seeking partners to join the bid. If successful, operations for the CRC will commence in October 2022.