Research, technology and innovation
- Cotton growers pay a compulsory research levy per bale of cotton produced, which is matched by the Australian Government.
- Boosting environmental, social and economic benefits is a key focus of the cotton industry’s research and development efforts.
- The cotton industry’s research and development work is largely driven by growers.
Australia’s cotton industry is underpinned by a significant research effort that is funded by cotton growers in partnership with the Australian Government through the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC). This research has delivered significant benefits to the industry, rural communities and Australia.
Australian cotton growers pay a compulsory research levy of $2.25 per bale of cotton they produce, which is matched by the Australian Government, up to a limit of 0.5 per cent of the gross value of production.
The cotton research program has a strong focus on innovation and improving the sustainability and profitability of the Australian cotton industry. It covers a wide range of research areas including farming systems, human adaptive capacity and the value chain.
This research investment underpins the Australian cotton industry and how it is recognised as world leaders in the adoption of technology, innovation, environmental management and the production of high-quality, high-yielding cotton.
Focus of research and development
Following consultation with growers, one of Cotton Australia’s roles is to advise the Cotton Research and Development Corporation on where growers believe research investments should be made. This ensures the research being delivered by the program is relevant, timely and will see real value at a practical level.
The Australian cotton industry groups research priorities across three pillars and nine investment areas:
Paddock
- Data-driven decisions
- Adaptive systems
- Connected market intelligence
People
- Design and innovation
- Leadership and capacity
- Adoption and impact
Planet
- Natural capital
- Carbon
- Circular economy
Delivering increased economic, social and environmental benefits for the Australian cotton industry and wider community is the key focus of investment in research and development.
The research effort also supports partnerships and collaboration, innovation and commercialisation, and the industry’s best management practice program, myBMP.
The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) works with industry to invest in research, development and extension (RD&E) for a more profitable, sustainable and dynamic cotton industry.
Over the past 30 years, over $408 million has been invested in cotton Research and development by growers and the Government.
