Summary

Crop production in North Queensland provides farmers and pastoralists with greater enterprise diversity. To ensure sustainable growth, Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) and the broader industry will require immediate and increased on-the-ground extension capacity to respond in a timely manner – both for cotton agronomy and for broader support of sustainable farming systems, including the integration of cotton with grains and cattle.

With current growth occurring at a rapid pace, this project will enable CSD to respond effectively and be better positioned to expand its investment in North Queensland in line with future projected growth.

Expected outcomes

This 3.5-year initiative will support the employment of one extension officer by Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) to service cotton and broadacre crop establishment and expansion in Mareeba, Far North Queensland. By supporting this role, the project aims to:

• Establish local and regional extension capacity through a new CSD employee who will facilitate the adoption of best management practices to northern cropping environments.
• Support the adoption of practices by northern Australian growers that enable successful crop establishment.
• Improve grower knowledge of cotton production, underpinned by rigorous and respected science, to support diverse, resilient, and environmentally sustainable farming systems.
• Enhance community acceptance of cropping industries in northern Australia.
• Build capacity to support the growth of cropping enterprises in North Queensland by creating a network of committed and connected professionals – both locally and nationally.