The Australian cotton industry is one of the most innovative in the world. Its transformation has been underpinned by significant investment in research and development and a culture of innovation amongst farmers who are quick to take up new technology to drive performance, profitability and efficiencies. The average Australian cotton farm is using many technologies to grow and harvest the crop - from in-field water meters linked to water use efficiency software, drones to check crops, solar-powered pump sites and even robots that can selectively spray individual weeds in a field.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DRIVES INNOVATION
The Australian cotton industry has a strong research and development culture and this has contributed to its success as a modern agricultural industry. The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) invests about $32 million per year in cotton research, development and extension. Growers pay a compulsory R&D levy on every bale of cotton they produce, with matching funding provided by the Australian Government.
Three of the Australian cotton industry's greatest success stories - world-leading yields, water use efficiency gains and massive pesticide use reduction – are underpinned by world class R&D, and the successes do not stop there.
Research is currently being conducted across the full scope of cotton production including the supply chain: traceability, performance, textile waste, plant pathology, biosecurity, insects and weeds, spray application, insecticides, GM stewardship, energy use, nutrition and water use efficiency. There is work constantly underway to make cotton more productive and profitable for Australian cotton growers, while continuously improving its environmental sustainability.
THE 2023-28 CRDC CLEVER COTTON STRATEGIC PLAN
Clever Cotton charts an ambitious new course through three pillars of investment – Paddock, People, Planet – drawn from the sustainability framework. Each pillar contains three themes, creating nine key investment areas. By adopting this model, our RD&E will focus on industry priorities – be they emerging issues or long-term challenges – to leverage higher investment returns and champion solutions to deliver the greatest impact.
- Data-driven decisions
- Improving decision making using data and digital technologies
- Connect market intelligence
- Enhance the sustainability, market access and diversity of Australian cotton
- Develop people skills to support industry RD&E
- Adopt knowledge and technology through dedicated development and delivery pathways
- Implement resilient natural capital practices that support productivity, help maintain biodiverse ecosystems, strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, and progressively improve regional water, land and soil quality
- Establish a sustainable low-carbon cotton production system for a changing future.
Read the full Clever Cotton strategic plan here.
MORE INFORMATION:
The Australian cotton industry is keen to collaborate with the cotton supply chain around its R&D priorities. For more information on the Australian cotton industry's research and development please visit www.crdc.com.au