Plant production systems

How can growth in Australian and world food and fibre production be sustained under increasing system constraints?

Maintaining the strong role of agriculture in Australia's economy and addressing global concerns about food security are key challenges for our nation. Changing socio-economic drivers, and environmental constraints, such as increasing temperatures and drought, along with threats from weeds, pests and disease, create a need to develop resilient farming systems that employ innovative technologies and diverse approaches to plant production. Understanding how plants function and respond to environmental as well as management factors in our extensive cropping, irrigated, horticultural and pastoral enterprises is central to ensuring that crops and pastures remain productive. At the same time, a thorough knowledge of whole farm systems is needed for effective and efficient use of finite resources by agricultural producers and other land managers.

Our team of researchers, uniquely placed in rural Australia with access to modern farms, advanced precision technology, information resources, genomic facilities and international partnerships, is conducting innovative research to tackle these local and global issues.