- Author CRCNA and research partners
- Publish date 17 March 2026
- Type Report
- Documents
- Broadacre cropping
- Agriculture
Summary
This impact evaluation summarises the outcomes of CRCNA project: A.2.1718116 Developing an oilseed industry in northern Australia that established a strong foundation for developing an oilseed industry in the north by testing and demonstrating the suitability of multiple oilseed crops across far north Queensland. Field trials identified viable options for integration into existing farming systems, particularly within sugarcane rotations, and provided growers with practical agronomic insights to support decision-making.
Key outcomes include improved understanding of crop performance, disease management and sowing practices, alongside early identification of opportunities such as safflower production in winter fallows and future biodiesel markets. While industry uptake is still emerging, the project has generated critical baseline data and grower interest.
With a return on investment of 3.63 times CRCNA’s contribution, the project delivers both immediate value and a platform for future expansion, supporting longer-term diversification and growth of cropping systems in northern Australia.
Projects
Developing an oilseed industry in Northern Australia
Developing an oilseed industry in northern Australia investigated the potential for oilseed crops to become a new and diversified agricultural industry across northern Queensland. Led by Savannah Ag Consulting and project partners, the project established multiple oilseed trials across Far North Queensland to identify which oilseed crops were best suited to northern growing conditions and how they could be integrated into existing farming systems, particularly sugarcane rotations. Trial and demonstration sites were established across Laura, Mareeba, Cairns, Innisfail and Walkamin, as well as in the Burdekin and Mackay regions, to support grower engagement and agronomic decision-making. The project screened a range of oilseed crops and identified several promising opportunities for future industry development. Particular focus areas included safflower production during sugarcane winter fallows, future biodiesel production from safflower oil and the longer-term potential for regional oilseed crushing facilities. Research also identified practical agronomic outcomes for soybean production, including benefits from reduced sowing rates and improved disease management strategies. Importantly, the project demonstrated how oilseed crops could contribute to more diverse and resilient northern farming systems by providing alternative crop rotations and additional income opportunities for growers. While large-scale commercial uptake remains limited, the project established a strong foundational knowledge base for future research, adoption and expansion of oilseed industries in northern Australia. The work continues to support ongoing investigation into profitable oilseed production systems, biofuel opportunities and integrated cropping models suited to tropical and subtropical northern environments.