Craig Johns

Research Interests

Agribusiness Agricultural Economics & Policy Agroforestry Agri-food, water and environment systems

Teaching Strengths

Value Chains
Industry engagement
Real-world case studies
Global partnerships
Global Food Systems

APrf Craig Johns

Associate Professor

School of Economics

College of Business and Law

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

I am an Associate Professor with over a decade of academic leadership at Adelaide University, grounded in 16 years of experience across agribusiness, government, and the development sector. My work bridges research, teaching, and industry engagement, with a focus on building global partnerships and fostering real-world learning for students.
 
I have led more than $8 million in international research initiatives across the Asia-Pacific and serve as CEO of the University’s Agribusiness Advisory Board, Theme Leader for the Adelaide Nottingham Alliance, and a member of several institutional and government committees. I bring a strong record of curriculum innovation, postgraduate program reform, and work-integrated learning, supporting over 60 student internships and embedding industry throughout the student journey.
 
With a passion for strategic collaboration and capacity-building, I leverage global networks to strengthen institutional partnerships and promote inclusive, high-impact education. I have been recognised with multiple awards for teaching, service, and external engagement, and I am committed to advancing Adelaide University’s reputation as a leader in applied, globally connected higher education.

0030084798: Changing urban consumer behaviour and the role of different retail outlets in the food industry of Fiji Authored by: Johns C; Lyon P; Stringer R; Umberger W, ASIA PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL Published by: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Published: 2017

0030058691: Evaluating the outcomes of VCA-led improvement projects : a case study of an Australian prawn fishery Authored by: Johns CM; Kimber N; Howieson J; Lawley M, BRITISH FOOD JOURNAL Volume: 118 Issue: 12 Pages: 2997-3011 Published by: Emerald Group Publishing Limited Published: 2016

Date Position Institution name
2025 - ongoing Theme Lead for Global Food Systems, ANA Alliance Adelaide University
2015 - ongoing CEO Agribusiness Advisory Board Adelaide University
2011 - ongoing Associate Director of Agribusiness Innovation Adelaide University
2007 - 2011 Senior Business Consultant, Food Chain Innovations Rural Solutions SA
2005 - 2007 Program Manager for Value Chains, Market Development National Food Industry Strategy
2001 - 2005 General Manager Australian Pure Fruits Pty Ltd
1995 - 2001 Food Technologist and Quality Manager Australian Pure Fruits Pty Ltd

Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
2024 Teaching Award SEPP Teaching Excellence Award for Team Teaching University of Adelaide Australia -
2024 Research Award Commendation for Grant Excellence for the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics University of Adelaide Australia -
2024 Teaching Award University Commendation for the Enhancement and Innovation of Student Learning University of Adelaide Australia -
2020 Award Executive Dean Award for Vision, Service, Culture, Excellence in External Engagement University of Adelaide Australia -
2019 Award Executive Dean Award University of Adelaide Australia -
2018 Award Pro Vice Chancellor Internationalisation Excellence Award University of Adelaide Australia -

Date Institution name Country Title
2012 - 2023 University of Adelaide Australia PhD
1993 - 1993 Flinders University Australia Honours Degree
1990 - 1992 Flinders University Australia Bachelor of Science Degree

Year Citation
2024 Nepali, B., Jackson, T., & Johns, C. (2024). Exploring the Potential of Agriculture Diversification as a Pathway to an Improved Smallholder Livelihood Dietary System in Nepal. Sustainability, 16(21), 9384-1-9384-18.
DOI Scopus6 WoS4
2024 Peralta Sanchez, M. A., Johns, C., & Loch, A. (2024). Expanding beyond case studies in postgraduate agribusiness teaching to enhance experiential benefits and student/teacher outcomes. Applied Economics Teaching Resources, 6(4), 36-68.
DOI
2023 Johns, C., Umberger, W., Maligalig, R., & Lyon, P. (2023). Australian ethical consumer segmentation of food and agricultural products and export opportunities for the Pacific Islands. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 27(2), 147-164.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
2023 Johns, C., Umberger, W. J., Lyon, P., & Maligalig, R. (2023). Fijian food shopping behaviour: implications for policy makers and smallholder farmers. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, 13(1), 39-52.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3
2017 Johns, C. M., Lyon, P., Stringer, R., & Umberger, W. (2017). Changing urban consumer behaviour and the role of different retail outlets in the food industry of Fiji. Asia Pacific Development Journal, 24(1), 117-145.
DOI
2016 Johns, C., Kimber, N., Howieson, J., & Lawley, M. (2016). Evaluating the outcomes of VCA-led improvement projects : a case study of an Australian prawn fishery. British Food Journal, 118(12), 2997-3011.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3

Year Citation
2025 Paudel, G., Paudel, N. S., Johns, C., Paudel, D., Khatri, D., Shrestha, K. K., & Ojha, H. (2025). The business potential of community forestry: Regulatory barriers, market uncertainty, and community struggles. In Restoring Forests and Improving Livelihoods in Nepal Four Decades of Community Forestry (pp. 309-326). Routledge.
DOI
2025 Johns, C., Paudel, G., Paudyal, K., & Paudel, N. S. (2025). Revitalising community forestry in Nepal: Achievements and lessons from EnLiFT project. In I. Nuberg, N. S. Paudel, R. Karki, & H. Thapa (Eds.), Revitalising Community Forestry in Nepal Achievements and Lessons from EnLiFT Project (pp. 96-106).
2024 Wallace, H., Randall, B., Rantes, J., Ovah, R., Nass-Komolong, B., Johns, C., . . . Fryett, L. (2024). Commercialising agroforestry to broaden the market share for smallholders in the South Pacific. In D. Race, & G. Wettenhall (Eds.), Raising Trees and Livelihoods, Experiences of integrating trees into smallholder farming systems (MN221 ed., pp. 251-268). Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2024 Ashford, G., Grant, E., Hannett, D., Hannett, G., Hodges, B., Hosseini-Bai, S., . . . Wallace, H. (2024). Enhancing private-sector-led development of the Canarium industry in Papua New Guinea. In D. Race, & G. Wettenhall (Eds.), Raising Trees and Livelihoods, Experiences of integrating trees into smallholder farming systems (MN221 ed., pp. 255-277). Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2024 Ashford, G., Grant, E., Hannett, D., Hannett, G., Hodges, B., Hosseini-Bai, S., . . . Wallace, H. (2024). Enhancing private-sector-led development of the Canarium industry in Papua New Guinea. In D. Race, & G. Wettenhall (Eds.), Raising Trees and Livelihoods, Experiences of integrating trees into smallholder farming systems (MN221 ed., pp. 255-277). Canberra, Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

Year Citation
2025 Wallace, H., Hannett, G., Kalava, L., Hannett, D., KapiLing, S., Minnah, S., . . . Elliott, B. (2025). Enhancing Private Sector-led Development of the Canarium Industry in Papua New Guinea – Phase 2.
2024 Johns, C., Nuberg, I., Paudel, N., Cedamon, E., Karki, R., Pandit, B., . . . Paudel, G. (2024). Enhancing livelihoods from improved forest management in Nepal (FST/2017/037). Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2022 Mahony, I., Underhill, S., Schouten, C., Simos, T., Manley, M., Addinsall, C., . . . Stice, K. (2022). Pacific Agribusiness Research in Development Initiative Phase 2 - PARDI 2 (AGB/2014/057). Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2022 Mahony, I., Underhill, S., Schouten, C., Simos, T., Manley, M., Addinsall, C., . . . Stice, K. (2022). Pacific Agribusiness Research in Development Initiative Phase 2 - PARDI 2 (AGB/2014/057). Australia: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
2022 Dumbrell, N., O'Connor, P., Matthews, K., Johns, C., Maier, H., Umberger, W., . . . Cavagnaro, T. (2022). Carbon valorisation : Achieving a carbon neutral farming future in South Australia. University of Adelaide.
2022 Dumbrell, N., O'Connor, P., Matthews, K., Johns, C., Maier, H., Umberger, W., . . . Cavagnaro, T. (2022). Carbon valorisation : Achieving a carbon neutral farming future in South Australia. University of Adelaide.
2021 Wallace, H., Randall, B., Rantes, J., Nass-Komolong, B., Johns, C., Glencross, K., . . . Nagalevu, P. (2021). Enhancing value-added products and environmental benefits from agroforestry systems in the Pacific (FST/2014/067). Australia.
2021 Wallace, H., Randall, B., Rantes, J., Nass-Komolong, B., Johns, C., Glencross, K., . . . Nagalevu, P. (2021). Enhancing value-added products and environmental benefits from agroforestry systems in the Pacific (FST/2014/067). Australia.
2021 Wallace, H., Komolong, B., Nevenimo, T., Waaii, C., Hannett, D., Hannett, G., . . . Jones, K. (2021). Enhancing private sector-led development of the Canarium industry in PNG (FR2021-022). Bruce, ACT, Australia: ACIAR.
2021 Wallace, H., Komolong, B., Nevenimo, T., Waaii, C., Hannett, D., Hannett, G., . . . Jones, K. (2021). Enhancing private sector-led development of the Canarium industry in PNG (FR2021-022). Bruce, ACT, Australia: ACIAR.
2021 Blumfield, T., Daniels, P., & Johns, C. (2021). Improving returns from community teak plantings in the Solomon Islands (FST/2014/066). Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
2021 Blumfield, T., Daniels, P., & Johns, C. (2021). Improving returns from community teak plantings in the Solomon Islands (FST/2014/066). Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
2018 Blumfield, T., Daniels, G., Palmer, G., & Johns, C. (2018). Mid Term Report Improving teak plantings in Solomon Islands (FST/2014/066).
2018 Blumfield, T., Daniels, G., Palmer, G., & Johns, C. (2018). Mid Term Report Improving teak plantings in Solomon Islands (FST/2014/066).
2017 Wallace, H., & Johns, C. (2017). Annual Report Enhancing private sector-­led development of the Canarium
industry in PNG (FST/2014/099).
2017 Wallace, H., & Johns, C. (2017). Annual Report Enhancing private sector-­led development of the Canarium
industry in PNG (FST/2014/099).
2017 Wallace, H., & Johns, C. (2017). Annual Report Enhancing value added products and environmental benefits from agroforestry systems in the Pacific (FST/2014/067).
2017 Wallace, H., & Johns, C. (2017). Annual Report Enhancing value added products and environmental benefits from agroforestry systems in the Pacific (FST/2014/067).
2015 Underhill, S., & Johns, C. (2015). Final Report Pacific Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative (PARDI) (AGB/2008/004).
2015 Underhill, S., & Johns, C. (2015). Final Report Pacific Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative (PARDI) (AGB/2008/004).

Year Citation
2023 Johns, C. (2023). Exploring consumer-driven food value chain and market opportunities in Pacific SIDS countries. (PhD Thesis, University of Adelaide).

Year Citation
2024 Nepali, B., Johns, C., & Jackson, T. (2024). Exploring the Potential of Agriculture Diversification as a Pathway to Improved Smallholder Livelihood Dietary System in Nepal.
DOI

ACIAR – Grant: Evaluating an alternative approach to sector development in Pacific Island Countries; Years 2025-2028; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $114,898

ACIAR – Grant: Livelihoods in Forest Ecosystem Recovery; Years 2022-2028; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $180,000

DAFF – Grant: Traceability Grants Program: Enhancing Agricultural Traceability for Market Sustainability: A Southeast Asian Perspective; Years 2024-2026; Project Contributor; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $498,283

ACIAR – Grant: Developing Nut Industries in Bougainville; Years 2023-2025; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $50,000

ACIAR – Grant: Food Loss in the Pangassius Catfish value chain of the Mekong River Basin; Years 2023-2025; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $43,527

ACIAR – Grant: Enhancing private sector-led development of the canarium industry in Papua New Guines – phase 2; Years 2019-2025; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $427,746

ACIAR – Grant: Enhancing the livelihood from improved forest management in Nepal; Years 2018-2024; Project Contributor; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $3,151,142

DAFF – Grant: Package Assisting Small Exporters Grant: Strengthening small-scale agricultural exports to China. Evaluation of two innovative marketing channels; Years 2020-2023; Project Contributor; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $265,000

ACIAR - Grant: Pacific Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative Phase 2 - PARDI 2; Years: 2018-2020; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $119,870

ACIAR - Grant: Improving Returns from Community Teak Plantings in Solomon Islands ; Years: 2016-2019; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $79,000

ACIAR - Grant: Enhancing value added products and environmental benefits from agroforestry systems in the Pacific; Years: 2015-2019; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $456,955

ACIAR - Grant: Enhancing private sector-led development of the canarium industry in Papua New Guinea; Years: 2015-2017; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $473,291

ACIAR - Grant: Pacific Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative (PARDI); Years: 2011-2015; Project Contributor; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $1,900,000

ACIAR - Grant: Promoting sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to replace unproductive land-use in Fiji and Vanuatu; Years: 2014-2015; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $3,000

ACIAR - Grant: Improving livelihoods and economic progress through rehabilitation of degraded catchments in Fiji and Vanuatu; Years: 2014; Project Lead; TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED to AU: $2,400

Manager of the Centre for Global Food and Resources Internship program

Course Coordinator for ECON 6012 Experiences and Insights in Agrifood Systems

Course Coordinator for ECON 6024 Management and Performance of Global Food Chains

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2025 Co-Supervisor Digital technology adoption of SMEs in agri-food value chains Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Vu Xuan Hoanh Mai
2025 Principal Supervisor “Balancing Environmental, Economic and Social Tensions in Food Production Systems to Ensure Farm Resilience” Doctor of Philosophy under a Jointly-awarded Degree Agreement with Doctorate Full Time Ms Lynda McDonald
2025 Principal Supervisor Balancing Environmental, Economic and Social Tensions in Food Production Systems to Ensure Farm Resilience Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Lynda McDonald
2025 Co-Supervisor Digital technology adoption of SMEs in agri-food value chains Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Vu Xuan Hoanh Mai
2025 Co-Supervisor Household Behaviour, Market Development & Policy Coordination Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Mr Zac Horbelt

Date Role Board name Institution name Country
2021 - ongoing Advisory Board Member Ag Institute Ag Institute South Australia Australia
2015 - ongoing Director Agribusiness Advisory Board University of Adelaide Australia

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