The Queensland Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a thriving sesame industry in the state’s north-west with $1 million earmarked to drive industry development.
Sesame emerged as the most promising crop for growth and diversification in the region from a comprehensive consultancy commissioned in 2018 under the North-West Queensland Economic Development Strategy.
Subsequent market analysis in 2022 emphasised the global demand for sesame, positioning Australian-grown sesame favourably in both domestic and international markets. The absence of commercial-scale sesame cultivation in Australia posed a challenge, despite significant research funding from federal and state-based agencies.
To address this gap, the Queensland Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Australian Sesame Industry Development Association (ASIDA) to drive commercial-scale sesame production. The North-West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy Implementation Plan to 2025 encompasses importing suitable genetics, supply chain enhancement, and market development.
Realising these key components necessitates the establishment of commercial-scale sesame production and boosting grower confidence in both the crop and supply-chain logistics.
DAF Executive Director, Agribusiness and Policy, Elton Miller said "The humble sesame seed is poised to transform agriculture in North-West Queensland, and with this latest round of funding, we look forward to seeing the industry grow and diversify. Market analysis highlights a growing global demand for sesame, positioning Australian-grown sesame favorably for both domestic and international markets. Under the North-West Queensland Economic Development Strategy, sesame has emerged as a key crop for regional growth and diversification."
Australian Sesame Industry Development Association (ASIDA) Chair Daniel Weinstock said, " We are uniquely positioned to foster industry development in this key growth sector and the strategic partnership between the Queensland Government and ASIDA aims to establish commercial-scale sesame production and enhance grower confidence."
