Australian Tea Tree Oil production has increased over recent years due to tea tree oil (TTO) producers expanding planting areas. AgriFutures’ breeding program, along with agronomic practice enhancements, have also resulted in higher average yields. Global demand for Australian TTO has increased (up to 90% is exported to over 70 countries) and whilst supply is in balance with demand, producers can achieve strong commercial returns.

As the industry seeks to grow, there is a need to maintain and sustainably increase demand for Australian TTO, and to sustain its value at the farm gate through a collaborative approach.

As part of the AgriFutures Tea Tree Oil Program, AgriFutures Australia is seeking to better understand current and future demand and to identify opportunities to sustainably increase demand for Australian TTO. AgriFutures is interested in the potential demand growth opportunities across the categories of personal care, home care, and pharmaceuticals.

The outcomes of this project will assist the AgriFutures Tea Tree Oil Program to define research, development, and extension questions for further investigation.

(Please see the attached Exhibits: Section 1 – pages 5 to 8 for further details on the project background, context, and project sub-questions)