Great Northern Spices

Reference # A.2.2122016
Research Programs 2. New and developing industries in northern Australia

Project Timeframe 5 years (2022 to 2027)
CRCNA Funding $2,000,000
Total project value $4,477,834

Project summary and impacts

Great Northern Spices is building the foundations for a commercially viable spice industry in northern Australia, helping producers diversify with high-value condiment crops suited to regional growing conditions.

Building on the CRCNA’s earlier Spicing up northern Australia with high value condiment crops project, which identified sesame, fennel and kalonji as promising cash crops, this project is addressing the key barriers to large-scale commercial adoption.

Working across northern farming systems, the project is generating practical, region-specific knowledge to support growers in integrating spice crops into both existing and new production systems. This includes optimising planting protocols, pest and disease management, machinery performance, and post-harvest processes such as drying and cleaning to maintain seed quality and maximise yields.

The project is also strengthening the commercial case for spice production through gross margin analysis, value chain development, and the data needed to support future export market access. Extension activities, grower resources and industry engagement are helping build the capability required to establish a sustainable northern spice sector.

With strong domestic and international market interest, these crops present a significant diversification opportunity for northern producers, with projected demand supporting substantial future production of sesame, kalonji and fennel across the region.

Check out the grower guide factsheets in publications below!

Open access to the Sesame Diseases and Pests journal article here: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7655/5/4/44

Open access to the Adaption of Grain Cleaning Equipment for Kalonji and Sesame Seeds, journal article here: https://www.mdpi.com/2624-7402/7/6/179

Visit AgriVentis for more resources on growing sesame in northern Australia: https://www.agriventis.tech/resources