Darwin’s upcoming Food Futures event will showcase the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia’s (CRCNA’s) latest research collaborations in food and fibre production – from high density-grown mangoes, new broadacre crop and cotton trials to native bush food initiatives.

Delegates attending the three-day conference will hear from CRCNA project leads and researchers on the latest developments in tropical horticulture, grains, cereals, legumes, oilseeds and cotton.

Planned workshop sessions on identifying and facilitating sustainable land and water developments across Northern Australia are expected to generate significant interest and draw heavily on the CRCNA’s work on de-risking agricultural development in the NT, northern Western Australia and north Queensland.

CRCNA CEO Anne Stünzner said Northern Australia is on the move when it comes to food production, storage, supply chains and export.

“We know the north’s agriculture and aquaculture sectors have the potential to be economic gamechangers, creating thousands of jobs across the region.

“It’s good to see our research helping to progress discussions and challenge what is possible for the north.

“We’re delivering an evidence-base to inform industry and government investment planning and decision-making while helping producers to become more efficient, find new markets, source investment opportunities and initiate new industries.

Ms Stünzner said the CRCNA and its project partners the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Australian Mango Industry Association will also be making a major announcement about one of Australia’s favourite tropical fruits during the conference.

“This project has the potential to truly challenge the boundaries of frontier farming,” she said.

The conference will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre from 17 – 20 May

CRCNA project showcase

Wednesday 19 May

2.45pm – 3.05pm | NAJA Business Consulting Services, Paul Rosair

Thursday 20 May

8.30 – 11.30 | Latest developments in horticulture across the north including adaptation to climate change, mangoes, melons, grapes, mung beans, sorghum, soybean, chickpeas and peanuts.

Download the Conference program here.

Media enquiries

CRCNA Communications Manager Carla Keith | 0499 330 051