CQUniversity’s Institute for Future Farming Systems celebrates 10 years of agricultural innovation
CQUniversity’s Institute for Future Farming Systems (IFFS) has marked a decade of delivering practical, industry-led research that’s helping shape the future of agriculture in Australia and around the world.
Established in 2015 with a vision to support northern Australia’s agricultural industries, IFFS has grown into a multidisciplinary research leader, with a strong track record of delivering real-world impact for primary producers and supply chain operators.
With experts in precision horticulture, high-value cropping systems, agricultural microbiology, precision livestock management, non-invasive sensor technologies and agricultural education and extension, the Institute’s work has had far-reaching impact.
One example is the world-first automatic mango harvester developed by Professor Kerry Walsh AM and his team which attracted $1 million in venture capital funding to commercialise the technology.
IFFS foundational director Professor Phil Brown said the Institute’s success had been built on strong industry partnerships and a commitment to delivering research with impact.
“Our research is and always has been driven by industry need. We work closely with primary producers to understand their challenges and come up with relevant and effective solutions,” Prof Brown said.
Other highlights from recent years include the appointment of IFFS microbial genomics cluster leader Professor Dana Stanley to the Australian Research Council’s prestigious College of Experts.
Dr Stanley is among the top one percent most cited researchers in the world across all areas of science and is currently working on critical mitigation strategies for the poultry industry to reduce losses from a fast-spreading pathogen called Enterococcus cecorum (EC).
“This research is vital for effectively combating EC in the poultry industry. By understanding its behaviour and interactions at a molecular level, we can provide producers with the tools they need to protect their flocks and their jobs,” Professor Stanley said.
The Institute has also delivered change-making international development projects, including work to strengthen the sweet potato value chain in Papua New Guinea and improve productivity and profitability for beef producers in Pacific Island nations.
Interim IFFS Director Professor Amy Cosby said while the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect and celebrate past achievements, the Institute and its research teams were firmly focused on the future.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the past decade, and we’re excited about the future as we continue to grow our research capability and expand our global partnerships,” she said.
Since 2015, IFFS has delivered more than 230 projects in collaboration with 43 industry partners, supported 45 postgraduate students and produced 390 journal articles.
More details are available at the Institute for Future Farming Systems webpage.
