A Queensland-based program aims to grow on-farm cotton productivity by addressing industry challenges
The Queensland government has announced a $7.2 million partnership with the Cotton Research and Development Corporation to boost grower support, research and help drive sustainable growth.
The program dubbed ‘Future Cotton: Innovation and Impact for Sustainability, Biosecurity and Growth’ aims to grow on-farm cotton productivity through targeted research, development and extension, and will be focused on pest and disease management, agtech adoption, climate resilience and emissions reduction.
Research and extension capacity will be increased across key cotton regions of Goondiwindi, Emerald, Toowoomba and Darling Downs, with a team focused on addressing the most pressing challenges and delivering outcomes for the entire industry.
“Cotton is one of Queensland’s most valuable and innovative agricultural industries, employing thousands of Queenslanders and producing 40 per cent of Australia’s cotton,” Queensland primary industries minister Tony Perrett says.
“The Future Cotton partnership is about investing in industry-led programs to increase sustainability and support our growers to get the best outcome for their crops every year.
“This partnership backs our growers with the science, skills and tools they need to improve performance, tackle emerging threats, and lead the way on innovation, sustainability and agtech adoption for the future.”