Northern Australia rice industry situational analysis study

Project locations: Darwin, Laura, Mareeba Kununurra, Brisbane.

Project partners: Qld Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland (QAAFI UQ) ; Charles Darwin University (CDU) ; Olive Vale Pastoral Pty Ltd ; Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd (SunRice) ; Savannah Ag Research Pty Ltd ; WA Dept. Primary Industries and Regional Development ; Qld Dept. of Agriculture and Fisheries

Project summary and impacts

The northern Australia rice situational analysis project explored the opportunities and challenges associated with developing a sustainable rice industry across northern Australia. As the first study of its kind in Australia, the project assessed domestic and global rice markets, production systems and barriers to industry growth, while identifying pathways for future investment, research and commercial development.

The project investigated three key industry development opportunities: commercial wild rice production, the development of a uniquely Australian domesticated rice variety using traits from native wild rice species, and the use of Australian wild rice genetics to improve global rice breeding and climate resilience. These opportunities highlighted the significant potential for northern Australia to contribute to premium food products, agricultural diversification and future food security solutions.

A Northern Australian Rice Industry Support Group was established to guide industry planning and examine the sector’s long-term scalability, including production capacity, employment potential and economic viability. The project also identified priority policy, investment and R&D needs to help coordinate future industry development across government, research organisations and industry stakeholders.

The study demonstrated strong long-term commercial potential for the sector. Conservative estimates indicated that a premium wild rice industry producing 100 tonnes annually could generate around $10 million per year, while a future “North Australian Rice” product produced at scale could support a $50 million annual industry. The project has since helped attract further investment into wild rice domestication and northern rice research, laying the groundwork for continued industry development through the 2030s.