A new research synthesis report has been released by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA), bringing together findings from its sugarcane research portfolio, providing industry and policymakers with a consolidated evidence base on future opportunities for the sector.
The Research Synthesis Report: Sugarcane in Northern Australia draws together findings from six CRCNA-funded projects delivered over the past decade, examining opportunities to strengthen industry resilience, diversify revenue streams and support the emerging bioeconomy.
The report forms part of the CRCNA’s broader research synthesis program, which is reviewing and consolidating research outcomes across key sectors and industries as the organisation enters the final year of its ten-year operating term.
CRCNA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Curro said the synthesis program was designed to ensure valuable research findings are captured, connected and communicated in a way that supports future industry development.
“Over the past nine years, the CRCNA has invested in research that helps northern Australian industries address challenges, identify opportunities and reduce uncertainty around future development pathways,” Mr Curro said.
“This report brings together that body of work for the sugarcane sector, highlighting where research has generated new knowledge, where opportunities are emerging and where further investment or collaboration may be needed.”
The synthesis draws on projects examining sugarcane diversification, biomass utilisation, renewable fuels, alternative processing technologies and complementary oilseed industries.
Mr Curro said the synthesis highlights how CRCNA investments have contributed to a stronger understanding of the role sugarcane could play in Australia’s future food, energy and manufacturing sectors.
“As Australia looks to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability and develop new low-emissions industries, northern Australia’s sugarcane sector presents a range of opportunities that warrant further consideration,” he said.
Sugar Research Australia General Manager Adoption, Dr Graeme Doole, welcomed the report and the contribution it makes to the industry’s knowledge base.
“Sugar Research Australia welcomes the synthesis of CRCNA-funded sugarcane research contained in this report and acknowledges the contribution of industry, researchers and partners involved in these projects,” Dr Doole said.
“The report provides a valuable summary of research findings and future opportunities relevant to the Australian sugarcane industry.”
The sugarcane report is one of a series of industry-focused synthesis reports being released by the CRCNA to capture lessons, impacts and future opportunities arising from research investments across northern Australia.
Research synthesis reports are available at crcna.com.au/impacts and crcna.com.au/publications.
