There are strong and growing pressures on Australian agriculture to diversify – declining terms of trade for commodities, new and increasing low-cost commodity competitors, structural change driven by water reform and climate change risk. New rural industries are a critically important part of Australian agriculture’s response to these drivers.

New rural industries produce substantial benefits to Australia. The value of a subset of 27 of Australia’s emerging rural industries is conservatively estimated to be $673 million and to contribute 2.2% of the gross value of farm production.

New and emerging industries bring opportunity, diversity and resilience to rural Australia. They provide farmers with new markets to meet changing food and fibre fashions, new medicinal and nutraceutical products and new approaches to environmentally sustainable farming. Over 60% of farmers now have multiple enterprises, accounting for over 70% of the value of agricultural output.

New rural industries are increasingly important in Australian agriculture. They have a significant role in propelling rural economies toward their potential. RIRDC invests in R&D to assist:

the development of new and emerging industries that are likely to have significant market opportunities
where Australia is likely to have a competitive advantage
industries that are attractive to producers for expansion

RIRDC's New Rural Industries Portfolio consists of seven program areas:

New Crop Industries Handbook

RIRDC's publication The New Crop Industries Handbook, RIRDC pub. no. 04/125, is a comprehensive introduction to new crop industries in Australia. It presents research findings and draws on practical experience of experts. It is a guide for farmers, investors, advisors, bank managers, students and others who want to find out more about new crop opportunities.

Click here to view a low resolution copy of the complete Handbook.

Click here to purchase the hardcopy from the RIRDC print-on-demand bookshop.

RIRDC General Manager, New Rural Industries:

Dr Roslyn Prinsley
Phone: (02) 6271 4120