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Australia Considers Two New Applications for Commercial GM Crops

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received two applications for approval to commercially cultivate genetically modified plants, submitted by Pioneer Hi-Bred Australia and Bayer CropScience. Risk assessment and management plans will be subject to public consultation in December 2026 before any decision is made.

InterGrain Leads National Faba Bean Breeding Program in Australia

InterGrain, an Australian plant breeding company, has been selected to lead a national faba bean breeding program in collaboration with the GRDC and the University of Adelaide. This $9.5 million program over 2.5 years aims to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, thereby consolidating breeding efforts for improved efficiency. InterGrain is committed to quickly translating breeding results into benefits for farmers while addressing the growing demand for plant-based proteins.

Launch of a $230.7 Million Investment Platform for Permanent Crops in Australia

The Canadian investment group La Caisse and Australian agricultural asset manager GO.FARM have announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing permanent crops in Australia. With an initial commitment of $230.7 million (A$330 million), the platform seeks to transform underutilized land into sustainable farming operations through investments in irrigation, infrastructure, and agricultural technologies.

Australian Company AGT Appointed to Lead National Lentil Breeding Program

The Grains Research and Development Corporation has appointed Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) to lead the national lentil breeding program, enhancing Australia's competitiveness in the global pulse market. This initiative, the result of two decades of collaboration, focuses on genetic improvement to meet rising demand and agronomic challenges.

Biomethane, Heat and CO₂: Methanization as a Decarbonization Lever for Horticultural Greenhouses in Australia

The Canadian company Anaergia Inc. has signed a contract to provide technology and equipment for an anaerobic digestion facility at Goodness Grown Farm in Australia. This innovative project, supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, aims to process 120,000 tons of agricultural and commercial waste annually, generating over 100 terajoules of biogas. The recovered heat and CO₂ will be used for the energy needs of a nearby greenhouse.

Green Hydrogen: Australia Launches Major Industrial Project to Decarbonize Ammonia Used in Agriculture

The Hunter Valley hydrogen hub project, developed by Australian company Orica and supported by American firm Plug Power, marks a significant advancement in green hydrogen production in Australia. With a capacity of 50 MW, it aims to produce 4,700 tons of renewable hydrogen annually, replacing 7.5% of natural gas use in ammonia production.

The New South Wales Government Invests $105.5 Million in Agricultural Innovation

Solarferm : vers une production de sucre durable et économique pour la bioéconomie

La start-up néo-zélandaise Solarferm ambitionne de révolutionner la production de sucres fermentescibles en utilisant une technologie innovante qui transforme l'hydrogène et le dioxyde de carbone en glucose. Sous la direction de Gabriel James, l'entreprise propose une solution potentiellement moins coûteuse et plus stable que les sources traditionnelles, tout en répondant aux défis de volatilité du marché du sucre. Avec des modèles de déploiement variés, Solarferm attire l'attention des acteurs de l'industrie cherchant à sécuriser leur approvisionnement en ingrédients pour la biomanufacturation.

Leguminous Crops: Towards a Global Production of 70 Mt by 2034

According to the OECD, leguminous crop production is expected to grow by 26 Mt by 2034, with Canada as the leading exporter. Despite the anticipated increase, few countries will achieve self-sufficiency, particularly India, which remains the largest producer but cannot meet its population's needs. Innovative agricultural techniques and yield improvements are essential to meet the rising demand.

Canola: Australia Invests in Genetics to Enhance Frost Tolerance, Acid Soil Resilience, and Yield Efficiency

Australia: CSIRO Launches AI Platform to Transform Pest Management in Horticulture

CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) unveils the Pest READI toolkit, a suite of digital tools costing the sector $3 billion annually, designed to assist fruit and vegetable growers in Australia with pest and disease management. This $12 million project over five years, developed in collaboration with farmers, aims to reduce reliance on chemicals and bolster beneficial insect populations while providing personalized advice through artificial intelligence.

$30 Million for Agritech: Queensland Bets on Innovation to Reach $30 Billion in Agricultural Production

The Queensland government has announced the launch of a $30 million fund, the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, aimed at supporting technological innovations in agriculture. This fund, managed in partnership with the Queensland Investment Corporation, seeks to enhance productivity and profitability in the state's primary industries, with an ambitious goal of reaching a production value of $30 billion by 2030.

Australia: Adama Launches Marathon®, a New Broad-Spectrum Herbicide for Cereals

Adama Ltd. announces the launch of Marathon®, an innovative herbicide based on pyrasulfotole, aimed at cereal producers in Australia for the 2026 season. This product, which incorporates advanced formulation technology, promises effective weed control while facilitating mixture management and supporting sustainable farming practices.

BASF Launches Liberty® ULTRA in Australia: A Glufosinate Herbicide with Enhanced Performance and Crop Safety

BASF has launched Liberty® ULTRA in Australia, a major advancement in herbicides, incorporating GLU-L™ technology for improved weed control and enhanced crop safety. This new glufosinate-based formulation, tested for Australian conditions, allows for reduced application rates and simplified handling, while providing three times greater absorption of the active ingredient. Registered by the APVMA, it is now available to farmers across the country.

In Australia, an Autonomous Robot Significantly Reduces Herbicide Use

On a farm in Scaddan, Australia, farmer Karl Raszyk and operations manager Tom Miles have chosen the autonomous robot Joe, capable of precisely spraying summer weeds. This technology not only reduces herbicide use, labor and equipment costs, and fuel consumption, but also optimizes weeding efficiency through continuous monitoring of weather conditions. Joe represents a significant advancement in the automation of agricultural practices, with potential applications in precision farming.

Indo-Pacific Countries Leverage AI to Help Farmers Adapt to Climate Change

The Australian scientific agency CSIRO and partners from the Quad group (U.S., India, Japan, and Australia) are developing artificial intelligence projects to assist farmers in managing crops and pests in a changing climate. These initiatives aim to create practical tools, such as mobile applications and disease detection systems, to enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems across the region. By fostering collaboration among nations, this initiative addresses common agricultural challenges while supporting food security.

Australia Approves Cultivation of Genetically Modified Purple Tomato

The Australian Office of Gene Technology Regulator has issued a license for the genetically modified tomato that produces natural purple pigments. This tomato, which can be grown across Australia, has been deemed safe for health and the environment. However, its commercialization as food requires additional approval, and it will be subject to mandatory labeling as a GM product.

Azaneo Leverages Electroporation to Surpass Herbicides in Weeding

The Australian start-up Azaneo is innovating with electroporation technology for weed control, aiming to reduce the use of chemical herbicides. By using electric pulses to destroy plant cells, Azaneo offers a quick and energy-efficient solution that adapts to climatic conditions. With tests planned on several farms, the company hopes to attract farmers with an economical and effective alternative to weeding challenges.

Australia: Consultation on Amendments to Genetic Technology Regulations

In September 2024, amendments to the Gene Technology Act 2000 were proposed to enhance the responsiveness of the National Gene Technology Scheme. These changes require amendments to the Gene Technology Regulations 2001, and a consultation document has been made available to gather stakeholder feedback. Submissions are open until March 1, 2026.