Food and agriculture

Queensland's food and agribusiness sector is renowned for producing high-quality and safe food at competitive prices. This is supported by a strong food and agriculture research sector that is driving innovation in sustainable food production, functional foods, biofuels and more efficient farming systems.

The state’s large geographical area traverses temperate, sub-tropical and tropical climates. Queensland food and agriculture researchers therefore have the advantage of being able to research and develop a wide variety of crops and animal production systems. The Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries provides leadership for the growth and sustainable development of Queensland’s food, fibre, fishing and forestry industries and collaborates in research and development for the sector.

The Queensland Government’s Department of State Development is leading Australia’s bio-economic revolution through the Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan. Biofutures refers to the industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector including biofuels. The state boasts a combination of world-class researchers and a long-term competitive advantage in the production of key alternative fuel feedstocks such as sugarcane and grains – particularly sorghum.

Queensland has nine universities including three of Australia’s largest. Details of the 200 plus research centres in Queensland are available by searching the Queensland science capability directory.

Most Queensland universities manage major food and agriculture research programs in dedicated research institutes and centres. These research facilities include molecular biology and genomics laboratories, and a network of research stations and field trial sites from the semi-arid inland to the wet tropics.

Leading food and agriculture research

  • Queensland Science…AGRICULTURE and FOOD…making a difference 02:01

    Find out why top researchers and industry leaders are saying Queensland is one of the best places in the world for food and agriculture research.

    Find out why top researchers and industry leaders are saying Queensland is one of the best places in the world for food and agriculture research.

View Food and Agriculture video with Chinese subtitles

Food and agriculture research centres

Queensland has more than 100 institutes, facilities, precincts, laboratories and other research organisations are involved in the food and agriculture science sector including: