Australian agribusiness is supported by many natural advantages. Diverse soil types and different climates across a vast land-mass allow diverse plants and crops to be grown, from large-scale cropping and grazing in the north of the country to intensive horticulture and feed-lotting in the south. Counter-seasonality with the northern-hemisphere means that transnational companies can produce products throughout the year.

Australia's water resources are under careful management to ensure this critical resource is managed sustainably and predictably for the future.

Proximity to expanding Asian markets, coupled with freedom from major diseases and traditional trade links with Europe and the US, means that Australian products can access anywhere in the world. This is supported by Australia's success in negotiating free trade agreements with key trading partners.

A strong R&D base

Leveraging these natural resources, Australian companies are working in partnership with local R&D organisations - some of the world's best - to develop new products, processes and technologies to suit Australian growing conditions and to keep Australia at the cutting edge of innovation. These leading R&D organisations include Food Science Australia, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and a variety of Cooperative Research Centres and Rural Research and Development Corporations. Locally developed technologies underpin Australia's long-term competitiveness and span a range from breeding programs for improved genetics to advanced farm management, innovative packaging and intelligent transport solutions.

Diverse opportunities

Australia's track record in agribusiness is attracting international interest across the supply chain in a variety of sectors - from aquaculture and wine to meat, dairy, cereals and horticulture. The 'wellness' foods sector is a new highly prospective area, with lucrative opportunities created by the extraction of valuable food ingredients and nutritional components found in large agricultural commodity waste streams.

In the non-food sector, Australia offers strategic advantages for the development, trialling and commercial production of industrial crops and has a sophisticated forestry and forestry-products sector with attractive niche and value-add opportunities.