The University of Sydney’s $15.2 million International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture facility has officially opened, focusing on global agricultural research, education, and industry engagement.
The research centre, which includes digital, genetic, agronomy, and soil laboratories, as well as teaching and industry briefing spaces, was delivered by the NSW Government in collaboration with the University of Sydney, Australian Grain Technologies (AGT), Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), and the NSW Wheat Research Foundation.
NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty launched the centre during a ceremony at the I.A. Watson Grains Research Centre near the University’s 2000-hectare research farm.
“The International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture in Narrabri cements NSW’s reputation as a regional, national and international agricultural research hub for ground-breaking grain research,” Minister Moriarty said.
Minister Moriarty stated that high-tech facilities could help adapt crops for drought tolerance, enhance food security, and boost farmer productivity.
She noted that the facility would foster collaboration between researchers and growers, advancing knowledge and practical implementation of robotic farming and data-driven agriculture.
“The research undertaken at the International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture will focus on adapting crops for drought and heat tolerance, providing sustainable food security solutions and boosting the productivity of farmers,” University of Sydney Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Emma Johnston said.
Dean of Science Professor Marcel Dinger noted that the University’s partnership with the industry is vital for future global food security.
“The establishment of this centre is a real testament to the strength of our partnerships with the local community and with the agricultural industry,” Professor Dinger said.
According to Australian Grains Technology Chief Executive Dr Haydn Kuchel, the expansion of Narrabri’s research capacity has underlined the importance of the I.A. Watson Grains Research Centre to agricultural advancement.
“We are proud of our contribution to this investment in northern Australian agriculture, which will help to bring more talented people into the region, working together to find solutions to the challenges that face Australian farmers,” Dr Kuchel stated.
GRDC Chair John Woods said that the GRDC had contributed an additional $1 million on behalf of Australian grain growers to develop and extend these critical research facilities.
“We appreciate the NSW Government recognising the need for an industry-led approach to improving and expanding the research capacity in Narrabri, which is one of the state’s oldest, most strategically important and successful centres,” Woods added.
NSW Wheat Research Foundation Chair Rob Long said the new facility greatly boosts grains research in regional Australia.
“Located on WRF’s IA Watson Grains Research Centre, leased to University of Sydney for over 60 years, these new facilities complement the research farm which plants over 40,000 irrigated plots every year on Narrabri’s rich vertosol clay soils,” he added.
The International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture was made possible by $10.5 million from the NSW Government, $1.7 million from the University of Sydney, $1.5 million from AGT, $1 million from GRDC, and $500,000 from the NSW Wheat Research Foundation.
