Central Australia has been identified by State and Federal Governments as a region with enormous potential for agribusiness. Abundant water resources combined with suitable soil, climate and environmental factors provide optimum conditions for a large range of livestock, broadacre and horticulture ventures. The Governments also recognise the region’s proximity to the huge and rapidly growing markets for food in Asia.
Agriculture in Australia
Australia is renowned for its clean, green and safe produce. The country has a well established reputation as a leading agricultural producer and is well positioned within the growing global market. Australia has a track record of innovation and thrives in the agtech and foodtech sectors. Australia also excels in research and provides an ideal test market to develop solutions that can be exported globally.
In 2018-2019, Australian agriculture achieved a value of $62 billion, which is forecast to reach $84 billion by 2030. The government’s plan is to enable agriculture, fisheries and forestry to reach $100 billion by 2030, leaving a gap of approximately $16 billion to achieve (National Farmers Federation 2019).
Trade
Australia is in an ideal location and is well connected within the growing global market. With established trade channels and free trade agreements, Australia exports two-thirds of its agricultural production. The top 10 agricultural export markets in order of export value are, China, Japan, USA, Indonesia, South Korea, India, Vietnam, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore (Australia Trade and Investment Commission 2019).
Horticulture in Central Australia
Central Australia has 4 groundwater basins including Alice Springs, Ti Tree, Western Davenport and Tennant Creek. Central Australia offers a unique combination of sunshine, low humidity, cool to mild winter temperatures and freedom from most pests and diseases. These conditions are ideal for many crops.
Commercial production of a wide variety of crops already exists in the Northern Territory, including table grapes, dates, melons, mangoes, figs, olives, bush foods (from Australia’s native plants) and vegetables.
There is potential for expanded production in the region, as outlined in the Northern Territory Government’s document: Investing in the Horticultural Growth of Central Australia.