"Innovation, research, technology: this is an industry that is very respectful of the science."
Last week, CRDC was part of Cotton Australia's Cotton Forum in Sydney and Camp Cotton in Narrabri, showcasing Australian cotton's technology, science and innovation to fashion brands, retailers and NGOs.
The forum featured industry experts, including CRDC's Executive Director Allan Williams and General Manager of Innovation Dr Merry Conaty, sustainability advisor Chris Cosgrove, and CRDC-supported researcher Tom O'Donoghue of the University of Sydney.
The tour visited family farms, the research labs and fields of CSIRO and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) at the Australian Cotton Research Institute, and saw CRDC-supported research projects in action, including the NSW DPI water benchmarking study, the CottonInfo soil your undies citizen science project, and the Country Road & Landcare Australia biodiversity project.
Asked what they will take away from the tour, the delegates were impressed by the cotton industry's demonstrated teamwork and collaboration, commitment to sustainability, and obvious respect for science.
The Autumn 2026 edition of Spotlight edition highlights the next phase of on‑farm action through Cotton Low Emissions Intensity Farming Systems (Cotton LEIFS), with grower‑led trials now underway across Qld and NSW. From enhanced efficiency fertilisers and smarter nitrogen use to cover crops like sunn hemp, these projects are testing real-world solutions to cut emissions while maintaining productivity.
