More than $21 million has been committed to a suite of new research projects aimed at improving the productivity and profitability of Australian canola growers.
Led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in partnership with the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the investment focuses on developing higher-yielding, acid soil-tolerant, and pod shatter-resistant canola varieties.
Dr Harsh Raman, who is heading the initiative, said the research aims to shift plant growth towards seed production to increase harvest efficiency and returns. Collaborators include key national research bodies and breeding companies, using cutting-edge drone and imaging technologies.
The projects also target a major breakthrough in acid soil tolerance and the development of accurate tools to measure and improve pod shatter resistance—a significant cause of yield loss for canola growers.
With strong national partnerships and advanced analytics, the program is set to future-proof one of Australia’s most valuable crops.
