The Queensland government is partnering with Sugar Research Australia (SRA) to launch the new Innovative Research & Industry Services (IRIS) Laboratories in Brisbane, aiming to deliver faster results for the sugar industry.
With enhanced precision and the ability to develop solutions tailored specifically to the needs of growers and millers, the government’s $2.8 million investment in SRA supports continued scientific research, development, and extension activities.
The investment forms part of the government’s strategy to grow Queensland’s primary industries to $30 billion by 2030.
“This investment supports the Primary Industries Prosper 2050 blueprint – our 25-year strategy co-designed with industry to shape the future of Queensland’s primary industries and grow Queensland’s primary industries output to $30 billion by 2030,” said minister for primary industries Tony Perrett.
Queensland’s sugarcane industry produced more than 27 million tonnes of sugarcane from 330,000 hectares of land, with the crop valued at almost $2.5 billion.
The new facility is expected to drive advancements in plant breeding, genetics, cane and fibre quality, disease and pest screening, and soil and nutrient sciences for the Australian sugar industry.
“With support from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Sugar Research Australia is reimagining ways to accelerate sugarcane genomics, ensuring we can rapidly develop and deploy high-performing, disease-resistant varieties,” said chief executive officer at SRA Mick Bartlett.
“IRIS Lab is not just about research. It’s about shaping the future of the industry, and this facility cements SRA’s role as a global leader in sugarcane innovation.”