The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) attended the 2025 TropAg conference in Meanjin (Brisbane ), showcasing its commitment to agricultural innovation and collaboration across northern Australia. The CRCNA supported the symposium agriculture diversification in northern Australia, which highlighted emerging opportunities for northern growers and producers.

Chaired by CRCNA Chief Executive Anthony Curro, the session brought together leading researchers presenting work focused on new crops, integrated systems and sustainability outcomes.

The symposium featured presentations on:

  • Effect of cover crops on soil temperature during cotton establishment under rainfed conditions of Northern Territory 
    Dr Edward Mwando, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Katherine Research Station

  • Economic viability of growing white sesame in northern Australia 
    Md Zillur Rahman, CQUniversity

  • Integrated crop-livestock systems to support new feeds and feeding strategies for cattle in northern Australia 
    Prof Simon Quigley, CQUniversity

  • Bridging aspiration and action: supporting northern beef and cropping enterprises to demonstrate environmental sustainability 
    Sarah Stevens, Sustainable Ag Solutions

  • Evaluation of jackfruit lines for postharvest quality and market development 
    Dr Induni Vijaya Kumar, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Northern Territory Government

CRCNA Chief Executive Anthony Curro said TropAg provided a valuable platform to highlight the opportunities emerging across the region’s agricultural sector.

“The research presented at TropAg underscores the momentum building across northern Australia. From new crop options like sesame and jackfruit to improved grazing systems and sustainability practices, these projects show what’s possible when researchers, industry and government collaborate with a shared vision.”

Mr Curro said the CRCNA was proud to support the symposium and to help bring forward the next wave of agricultural diversification for the north.

Watch the reel here.