The manipulation of environmental constraints to control microbial growth is used throughout food production and distribution chains to ensure microbial food safety and quality. Despite the use of these strategies, food spoilage and outbreaks of foodborne illness continue, often with significant social implications and at substantial cost. Research in this area is carried out through the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research

Field crops, including cereals, grain legumes and oilseeds, are mostly produced in Tasmania as a part of extensive farming systems in rotation with pasture, livestock and other crops, particularly poppies. They also have a valuable role as break crops in intensive vegetable cropping systems. Research in the School of Agricultural Science is carried out through the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research.

Dairy research focuses on production, quality and persistence of pastures, irrigated forage crops, feed production systems and biological control of pests and weeds. The expertise of the scientists in this program include pasture and crop agronomy, soil and plant nutrition and entomology. Research in the School of Agricultural Science is carried out through the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research

Productive, well-managed improved and native pastures are vital to the future of Tasmania's grazing industries. The team evaluates new species and cultivars and better defines the roles that pasture play in mixed farming systems. Research in the School of Agricultural Science is carried out through the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research

Perennial horticulture research focuses on orchard management, integrated disease management, crop physiology, spray application technology, natural plant extracts and specialty mushrooms. The expertise of the scientists in this program include horticulture, plant physiology, plant pathology, mycology and micropropagation. Research in the School of Agricultural Science is carried out through the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research