- The Australian cotton industry, in a partnership with the Australian Government, has been a long-term investor in research that has delivered significant benefits to growers, rural communities and Australia
- Australian cotton growers pay a compulsory research levy of$2.25 per bale which is matched by the Australian Government
- This research investment has resulted in the Australian cotton industry being recognised as world leaders in the adoption of technology, innovation, environmental management and the production of premium quality cotton
- The Australian cotton industry has identified the connections between improved productivity, natural resource management and addressing climate change. For example, research and development is actively seeking ways to further improve water, fertiliser and energy use efficiency at the same time as reducing greenhouse emissions
- The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) invested about $20m in research projects in the past two years (Source: CRDC 2007)
- CRDC research priorities include crop protection research programs, farming systems (integrating natural resource management), breeding and biotechnology and assisting people and communities involved in the cotton industry (CRDC, 2007)
- The CRDC works closely with the new Cotton Catchment Communities Cooperative Research Centre (Cotton CRC) that was established in 2005 with Australian Government funding
- The Cotton CRC’s research focus is to increase crop yields, improve fibre quality, improve irrigation and water use efficiency, promote productivity and innovation, provide research information on salinity, river health, and groundwater and enhance biodiversity
- Over the past ten years, in excess of $6 million has been invested in the research and development of the industry’s environmental management system, the BMP Program (Source: CRDC, 2005)
- Research supports the development of sustainable production practices for cotton in new growing regions and improvement in existing growing regions as well as the stewardship of agricultural chemicals and biotechnology
- The Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO’s) cotton breeding program has played a major role in ensuring Australian cotton growers remain world leaders in cotton yield and quality. More broadly, scientific work is underway to enhance the textile and market potential for Australian cotton
- CRDC, along with the Cotton CRC, fund and coordinate the National Extension Network across valleys. The National Extension Team works closely with growers and industry personnel to communicate and aid the early adoption of research outcomes and their regional adaptation
