Data and digital

A new direction for CRDC’s data and digital investments 

CRDC has decided not to proceed with the Australian Cotton Industry Data Platform. 

Instead, we’ll focus our data and digital investments on helping growers and the industry get more value from existing systems and data, build digital and AI capability, and solve specific industry challenges. 

The need for better data hasn't changed. Our approach to meeting that need has.

Why we're changing direction

The platform was proposed to address industry challenges – disconnected information, duplicated reporting and difficulties sharing and using data. 

As the project progressed, it became clear that building and operating a central industry-wide platform would require significant ongoing investment and a long-term commitment to its operation and governance. At the same time, technology continued to evolve. Advances in AI and the growing capability of existing industry and commercial systems created new ways to help solve these challenges.

Put simply, the technology landscape moved faster than expected. 

After reviewing the costs, benefits and long-term requirements of the project, CRDC concluded that building and operating a central platform was no longer the best way to meet the needs of Australian cotton growers. Good RD&E investment requires regular review and a willingness to change course when circumstances change. 

The industry still needs reliable, connected data, and we believe there are better ways to achieve it than building and operating a single platform. 

What we will focus on instead

We’ll focus on investments that deliver clear value to growers and can build on existing systems and technologies. We'll continue working with growers and the industry to identify priorities and investment opportunities. 

Future investment priorities include:

  • Grower digital and AI capability: Helping growers understand and use AI and digital technologies.
  • myBMP and trusted industry data: Improving certification systems and data infrastructure.
  • Targeted digital solutions: Supporting practical solutions to specific industry challenges.
  • Research data and industry insights: Improving how research data is managed, accessed and used.

Across these areas, we’ll continue to support secure and responsible data use and sharing. Future investments will be assessed against grower benefits, adoption, cost, long-term sustainability and clear responsibility for ongoing delivery.

Building on your input and what we've learned

We recognise and appreciate the investment already made in the platform, and the time and expertise contributed by growers, researchers, industry organisations and technology partners. 

The work completed through the project, together with input from growers and the industry, has provided valuable insights into growers’ needs, data sharing, system integration and governance. These learnings are not being lost and will continue to guide future investments and initiatives.

We’ll continue working with growers and the industry to identify priorities and invest in solutions that deliver practical value. 

Further information

For more information about the decision and next steps, see FAQs or email CRDC at datadigital@crdc.com.au.