Sustainable Chinese Herb Cultivation

The project ‘Bridging Continents: Sustainable Chinese Herb Cultivation in Australia’ led by Professor Dr Xiaoshu Zhu, Co-Director of the Australia-China Chinese Medicine Centre, School of Health Sciences, secured $490,737 from the Australian Research Council's Linkage Project. The research team also includes Western’s Professor Chun Guang Li from Western Sydney University's NICM Health Research Institute, Associate Professor Yi Guo from the School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences and Dr Michelle Mak from the School of Science.

This project aims to establish a scientifically validated, low-carbon cultivation model for Chinese medicinal herbs (CMH) in Australia. It also addresses the current lack of locally grown CMH that meet international standards by combining field trials, laboratory analysis, life cycle assessment, and digital modelling. The project will help deliver economic, environmental, and cultural benefits, creating a sustainable agribusiness sector and positioning Australia as a global leader in botanical medicine production.