"Innovation, research, technology: this is an industry that is very respectful of the science."
Last week, CRDC was part of Cotton Australia's Cotton Forum in Sydney and Camp Cotton in Narrabri, showcasing Australian cotton's technology, science and innovation to fashion brands, retailers and NGOs.
The forum featured industry experts, including CRDC's Executive Director Allan Williams and General Manager of Innovation Dr Merry Conaty, sustainability advisor Chris Cosgrove, and CRDC-supported researcher Tom O'Donoghue of the University of Sydney.
The tour visited family farms, the research labs and fields of CSIRO and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) at the Australian Cotton Research Institute, and saw CRDC-supported research projects in action, including the NSW DPI water benchmarking study, the CottonInfo soil your undies citizen science project, and the Country Road & Landcare Australia biodiversity project.
Asked what they will take away from the tour, the delegates were impressed by the cotton industry's demonstrated teamwork and collaboration, commitment to sustainability, and obvious respect for science.
The Spring 2025 edition of Spotlight captures a season of progress and partnership in Australian cotton. This issue leads with the announcement of the Australian Cotton Industry Data Platform build – a $7 million CRDC initiative with KPMG Australia – set to streamline data management, boost traceability and prepare growers for future market demands.
