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Research. Innovation. Technology.

Highlights from Australian agrifood innovation.

Close-up of cotton plant flower in cotton field
Opportunity

Biological controls offer new addition to farmers’ toolbox to better manage insect pests

Without pesticides the world could lose up to 50% of key food and fibre crops, devastating global supply. Through work undertaken by Dr Robert Mensah of NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), in collaboration with the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), effective biological control options for insect pests in cotton have been demonstrated and they are now seeking partners to commercialise these innovative solutions.

  • Led by
    NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI)
  • In collaboration
    Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC)
Areal view of harvesting equipment in grape vinyards
Opportunity

Harvest optimisation technology, a smart move for Australia’s viticulture industry

Aussie Wine Group has developed an innovative infield sorter, that in trials supported by Wine Australia delivered a 50% increase in operational efficiencies for winegrape growers and 97% reduction in matter other than grapes. AWG are seeking investment to scale adoption and drive exports to international markets.  

  • Led by
    Aussie Wine Group
  • In collaboration with
    Wine Australia
Ears of wheat in crop
Research highlight

Machine learning drives profitability for Australian grain growers

Australian grain growers are set to profit from a multi-million-dollar global investment in machine learning, led by Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC). Here we explore nine use-cases designed to boost value in the paddock.   Some already have commercial sector involvement in place but for others GRDC will seek deployment through commercial avenues using platforms like growAG..

  • Led by
    Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
Four beekeepers tending to beehives wearing protective wear
Opportunity

World-first program delivers elite genetics for Manuka honey and oil production

With the support of AgriFutures Australia, innovative Western Australian company, ManukaLife is helping position Australia’s Manuka honey industry as a global leader. With a prosperous future ahead, opportunities exist for a range of organisations to engage with ManukaLife to either rapidly expand the establishment of plantations in Australia or to partner in developing new cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

  • Led by
    Agrifutures Australia
  • In collaboration
    ManukaLife
Steven Rice, Principal Technical Officer at Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries  in a lab
Opportunity

Fungal biocontrol commercial opportunity offers benefits for chicken meat industry

An Australian mycopesticide innovation, developed by AgriFutures Australia and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), is an effective alternative to chemical pesticides for lesser mealworm control. AgriFutures and DAF are now seeking biotech partners to commercialise the product.

  • Led by
    AgriFutures Australia
  • In collaboration
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)
Dog with Buggy bix logo
Opportunity

Novel insect-based pet food range, BuggyBlend ready for commercialisation

BuggyBix, with support from AgriFutures Australia, has developed a novel insect-based pet food range – BuggyBlend – to reduce our pets’ environmental pawprint and accelerate the development of Australia’s insect protein industry. An exciting opportunity awaits for commercial partners to assist in the scaling and distribution for Australian and international markets. 

  • Led by
    AgriFutures Australia
  • In collaboration with
    BuggyBix
Close up of green leaves deep inside a crop
Cotton

AgTech applications could revolutionise the cotton farming industry

Researchers at Monash University are applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and game-design practices to reduce spray drift from agricultural pesticides, minimising the negative impact on neighbouring crops and wildlife.

  • Led by
    Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC)
  • In collaboration with
    Monash University
Close up of a head of cattle in a paddock with sunlight
Featured organisation

Investing for impact for Australia’s red meat sector

Sophisticated supply chains and increased collaboration, bolstered by the launch of growAG., is helping drive ag innovation and investments for Meat & Livestock Australia. MLA Managing Director, Jason Strong shares his goals to beef up the livestock industry and why blue sky technologies and value-adding are key.

Close up picture horse next to a tree
Opportunity

Novel fertility device set to drive value for thoroughbred breeding

AgriFutures Australia and the University of Newcastle have developed a simple stallion fertility test device to help boost Australia’s billion-dollar thoroughbred breeding industry. They are now seeking investors and industrial partners with experience in plastic manufacturing to commercialise the solution.

  • Led by
    AgriFutures Australia
  • In collaboration with
    University of Newcastle
Header working in a crop filling a chaser bin with grain
Featured organisation

GRDC looks to double the grains industry’s current $15 billion value by 2030

How to reach $30 billion by 2030? Opportunities for the grains sector will be centred on feeding a hungry world with an increased demand for protein, as well as the strategic positioning of Australian grains into differentiated market sectors. GRDC is investing in RD&E that delivers impact on farm and supports the sector to better understand, grow and access these targets.