Chris Read’s background in essential oil research and development led him to a project examining the physiology and biochemistry of Tasmannia lanceolata, partly funded by RIRDC and directed towards developing a commercial flavouring product from the leaf of the plant.

From there it was a short jump to forming a small business coordinating wild harvest of leaf and berry for food use, which has now moved to a more commercial footing with cultivation selections under irrigation and gradual improvements in processing and handling.

He is a farmer, producing Dutch Iris for the cut flower market, and essential oils. He recently launched a tourism-based enterprise on the farm, a restaurant, small scale distillery and farm walks and picnics. He hopes this will help the profile of their pepper products and native foods in general as well as help introduce visitors to the art and science of essential oils.

Chris retains an interest in horticultural research through his role as chair of the Tasmanian Essential Oil Producers group – NPE Coop Soc which collects and administers a levy fund, used to develop research projects with funding from RIRDC and other commercial partners.

Chris was a founding member of ANFIL and has been a director since its incorporation in December 2006.

Email: chris.read@anfil.org.au