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Engagement in the North: Opportunities for Cotton in the NT
A series of meetings in the Northern Territory this week brought together growers, government and industry to discuss the future of cotton in the north.
The visit was led by Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay and Regional Manager for Northern Australia Simone Cameron, who met with the Northern Cotton Growers Association and NT Ministers, including Environment and Water Minister Josh Burgoyne. Discussions focused on the development of the region’s cotton industry and local priorities.
A key part of the visit was a meeting with the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT (AFANT), the largest representative body in the Territory. The discussion centred on building stronger relationships and increasing understanding between the cotton industry and the recreational fishing community, particularly around water use and sustainability.
Further meetings were held with Luke Gosling, the Federal Government’s Special Envoy for Northern Australia, to discuss production systems and opportunities unique to the north. A separate meeting with the Indonesian Consulate explored trade prospects for Australian cotton into Indonesia.
While in Darwin, Adam toured the port to consider how improved utilisation could support future cotton exports as production in the north continues to expand.
The trip also included the Northern Cotton Growers Association and Cotton Grower Services field day, with visits to properties in the Douglas Daly region. The event brought together growers and industry participants from across the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Adam and Simone also spoke with ABC’s Landline and NT Country Hour to share updates on the season and the outlook for cotton in the Territory.
The visit concluded with a dinner in Darwin attended by NT ministers and advisors, representatives from industry organisations, and members of the local business community.
Despite recent wet weather, defoliation has commenced across the Territory, with further progress depending on conditions in the weeks ahead. The region is expecting a slightly above-average crop, and there is growing awareness of the potential for cottonseed to be used as cattle feed during the dry season.
This growing interest is expected to be a key focus of the upcoming Farm to Feed Forum in Katherine on 19–20 June, which will explore the role of cotton, cropping and silage in Northern cattle production systems.
