Canberra’s agri-technology sector is growing fast and has many investment opportunities.

Leading agricultural science and technology

The Canberra region has long advanced global agricultural, environmental and primary industry research.

Our established and rich heritage spans back to William Farrer breeding the Federation strain of wheat just outside Canberra in 1903. This revolutionised Australian agriculture and launched our global agricultural endeavours and exports.

Over a century later, the finest organisations in Canberra’s agri-technology sector are still growing. We’re addressing critical regional, national and global challenges in:

• agri-technology
• food technology
• environmental sciences
• innovation in genetics and phenomics.

Through the Australian National University (ANU) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Canberra has pioneered, produced, and published much of the leading academic and applied research related to:

• crops
• plant biology
• agricultural systems
• environment
• ecology
• genetics of both cultivated and native plants.

World-renowned Canberra research centres continue to train researchers, students and industry at the:

• ANU
• University of Canberra (UC)
• CSIRO

We’re making major discoveries, and building knowledge and resources in:

• food technology
• plant, animal and environmental sciences
• genetics
• biodiversity
• conservation

Entrepreneurship in agri-technology

The region is home to agri-technology entrepreneurs.

The Agrifood Innovation Institute (AFII) is a joint venture of ANU, CSIRO and the ACT Government. AFII provides:

• an innovation hub to attract and support agri-technology businesses
• research translation to connect researchers with industry to address real world challenges
• innovation training for researchers to develop skills and pathways to grow new ventures
• a regional and national focus to attract inward investment and support export development.

Cool-climate primary production

Canberra is Australia’s largest inland city. We’re surrounded by agricultural land. Much of Australia’s finest cool-climate produce, fine wool and dry land crops comes from the Canberra Region.

Just some of the high-value produce we’re known for includes:

• premium cool-climate wines
• black Perigord truffles
• stone fruit
• wheat
• oilseeds.

Our wool, dairy and meat production is strong. The export potential for our high-yield, low-volume goods is growing.

Home to Australian agricultural peak bodies and administration

Canberra houses the:

• Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment
• Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences
• Grains Research and Development Corporation
• Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
• National Farmers Federation.

Agri-technology and food technology opportunities in Canberra

Grow your research, development, business, economic and social capability in Canberra. You’ll benefit from our depth of knowledge, research activity, facilities and interdisciplinary approach.

For networking and investment opportunities in Canberra, visit the AFII website.

Talk to us

To learn how to engage with leading agri-technology centres in Canberra, contact our Investment team.