Coffee research program set to boost home-grown Aussie brews
Australians drink around 2 billion cups of coffee every year, yet less than 1% of the coffee consumed in Australia is home-grown.
The Australian Coffee Research Program plans to change that statistic by helping Australian growers capture a greater share of the nation’s premium coffee market, while protecting the industry from future threats.
The $4 million national research program was launched on 29 July by AgriFutures Australia, Southern Cross University, Plant Health Australia, the University of Queensland and the Australian Grown Coffee Association.
Research will focus on improving farm productivity, evaluating coffee varieties suited to Australian conditions, strengthening biosecurity preparedness and providing growers with better tools to manage future risks.
Samantha Beresford, AgriFutures Australia General Manager, Levied and Emerging Industries, said Australia was well placed to build a globally recognised premium coffee industry.
“Australians are among the world’s most passionate coffee drinkers, yet almost every cup we drink starts overseas. That presents an enormous opportunity for Australian growers,” Beresford said.
“Demand for locally produced food and beverages continues to grow, while global coffee supply is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate pressures, pests and diseases.
“This investment is about ensuring Australian growers have the research, innovation and confidence to produce more world-class coffee while protecting the industry from future biosecurity threats.”
Coffee is already grown commercially in the tropical tablelands of Far North Queensland, the cooler subtropical regions of South-East Queensland and northern NSW, with the potential for expansion into other suitable regions as knowledge, genetics and production systems continue to improve.
Australia’s coffee industry comprises around 40 commercial growers, farming approximately 400 hectares, with capacity to produce around 800 tonnes of coffee each year.
“Australian coffee is earning a reputation for quality, but maintaining that momentum requires continued investment in innovation and biosecurity,” said Far North Queensland grower Jack Murat.
“The research will give growers greater confidence to invest, adopt new practices and continue producing premium Australian coffee that can compete with the best in the world.”
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