New multi-million-dollar Australian Coffee Research Program launched – BeanScene

A new $4 million Australian Coffee Research Program aims to help growers improve their productivity, test new coffee variants, and strengthen biosecurity. 

The five year program is the largest investment into the Australian coffee-growing sector to date. 

Launched by research and development corporation AgriFutures, the project brings together experts from Southern Cross University, Plant Health Australia, The University of Queensland, and the Australian Grown Coffee Association. 

The program aims to expand and increase production across Australia’s coffee-growing regions. Currently, only one per cent of coffee consumed in Australia is home grown. 

“Australians are among the world’s most passionate coffee drinkers, yet almost every cup we drink starts overseas,” says Samantha Beresford, AgriFutures Australia General Manager, Levied and Emerging Industries. 

Research will focus on improving overall farm productivity, studying coffee varieties against Australian conditions, and providing farmers with the tools to manage potential risks. 

“Australia has ideal conditions for producing premium coffee, but continued growth depends on giving growers access to the best science, varietals, and practical tools,” says Professor Tobias Kretzschmar, Southern Cross University researcher and program lead. 

Coffee is already grown in tropical areas of Far North Queensland, cooler subtropical regions of south-east Queensland, and northern New South Wales. Appetite for Australian-grown coffee continues to project upwards.

“Australian growers consistently produce premium coffee, but there’s enormous potential to increase profitability while helping to safeguard the future of Australian grown coffee,” says Rebecca Zentveld, Australian Grown Coffee Association President. 

The Australian coffee-growing industry currently stands at around 40 commercial growers farming approximately 400 hectares, with capabilities to produce around 800 tonnes of coffee each year. 

For growers like Jack Murat, the research provides confidence to invest in new growing practices. 

“Australian coffee is earning a reputation for quality but maintaining that momentum requires continued investment in innovation and biosecurity,” says Jack.

The research will take place over the next five years, providing growers with the tools and confidence to expand their production.