It’s taken five years since the kernel first germinated in Alla Wolf-Tasker’s mind, but the Daylesford Institute of Gastronomy and Good Food is one step closer to becoming a reality with the release of a year-long business case supporting its formation.

This multimillion-dollar project aims to harness the knowledge and skills of the entire food industry, bringing together agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism experts and educators in the one place.

“Now more than ever, people want a connection to food, but we ‘silo’ it. We don’t immerse people in the whole spectrum,” Alla says. “This institute is about reimagining the food industry, how we can build a workforce for culinary workers.”

The institute, in partnership with William Angliss, will offer world-class training in the “good food” industry, while for agribusiness, food producers and others working within the industry, the institute will be a hub of innovation, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

One of the goals of the institute is to address the critical issue of skills shortages within the hospitality industry while at the same time raising the profile of careers within it. Capitalising on the growing interest in food provenance, sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, and the fostering of artisanal skills – cheesemaking, butchery, sourdough baking and fermentation – are other key drivers of the project.

“We don’t do much about fostering and nurturing food talent. This will be hub for all food practices in the one area. The immersion will be total,” Alla says.

For an estimated $25 million investment, the business case forecasts 200 direct jobs during the institute’s construction, a further 476 ongoing employment opportunities with $22 million per year generated in economic benefits from education, agriculture and tourism. Should the institute receive state and/or federal funding, it could be operational by 2022.

“There’s already been considerable interest in what we’re doing from around Australia,” Alla says. “It’s a great profession, but it’s a hard industry to get young people interested in it. We hope to change that.”

If anyone can do it, Alla can.