$1 Million Investment to Boost Sesame Production in North-West Queensland
The Queensland Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a thriving sesame industry in the state’s north-west, allocating $1 million to drive its growth. This initiative stems from the North-West Queensland Economic Development Strategy, which identified sesame as a promising crop for diversification and economic development in the region.
A comprehensive consultancy commissioned in 2018 highlighted sesame as a crop with significant growth potential, supported by subsequent market analysis in 2022 that underscored global demand for sesame seeds. Despite favorable market conditions, the absence of commercial-scale sesame cultivation in Australia has been a challenge, despite substantial research funding from federal and state agencies.
To address this gap, the Queensland Government has forged a strategic partnership with the Australian Sesame Industry Development Association (ASIDA). This collaboration aims to facilitate commercial-scale sesame production through initiatives such as importing suitable genetics, enhancing the supply chain, and developing domestic and international markets.
Elton Miller, QDAF executive director of agribusiness and policy, emphasized the transformative potential of sesame cultivation in North-West Queensland. He highlighted the growing global demand for sesame seeds, positioning Australian-grown sesame favorably in markets worldwide.
ASIDA chair Daniel Weinstock expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with the Queensland Government, emphasizing their role in fostering industry development and boosting grower confidence in sesame production.
The North-West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy Implementation Plan to 2025 outlines key steps to establish commercial-scale sesame production, aiming to capitalize on the crop’s economic potential and contribute to regional agricultural diversification.
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