Exploring global insights to strengthen Australia’s ginger industry

The AgriFutures Ginger Program continues to drive innovation and sustainability in the Australian ginger sector through targeted research, development and extension (RD&E). Recognising the maturity and scale of international ginger markets, the Australian industry has identified valuable opportunities to learn from global practices and apply these insights locally.

In alignment with key priorities of the AgriFutures Ginger Program RD&E Plan (2022–2027)—which focuses on improving productivity, profitability, sustainability, market opportunities, and industry engagement—several organisations have been engaged to conduct literature reviews and strategic initiatives that explore international research and its relevance to Australia’s ginger industry.

Priority 1: High quality product and sustainable production systems

Global insights into pest and disease management in ginger (Zingiber officinale) –
The University of Queensland
This comprehensive review will examine pest and disease threats, management strategies, and economic impacts on the ginger industry. By comparing local and international practices, the project will identify biosecurity risks and strategies that can be adopted in Australia to improve crop protection and production efficiency. It will also highlight areas for further research.

Priority 2: Market opportunities

Literature review for ginger pest and disease and eating quality and medicinal benefit management – Southern Cross University
This review will focus on Chinese and Japanese research to provide insights into pest and disease management, culinary and medicinal quality enhancement and ginger varietal development to improve pest and disease resistance. The findings aim to equip Australian growers with advanced knowledge to boost sustainability and develop high-quality, value-added ginger products.

A literature review on the chemical properties, health benefits, and value-added opportunities for Australian ginger and related species – QED Food Consulting Ltd
This literature review explores the chemical profile of ginger and related species, focusing on compounds of medicinal and sensory interest. It includes a comprehensive scope of scientific journals, patents, and trade data, synthesised to identify health benefits, post-harvest processing techniques, and novel products for medical and culinary applications. Expected outcomes include:

• A scientific report on chemical profile and health benefits of ginger species, differentiated by factors such as location and plant maturity.
• A market opportunity report outlining new post-harvest techniques and potential new species and products for the Australian ginger industry.

Priority 4: Industry engagement

IFPA Produce Executive Program Sponsorship
This sponsorship will fund one position in the 2026 International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) ‘Produce Executive Program’. The Program is a week-long, residential executive development course and industry forum held in May each year that incorporates faculty lectures, in-depth case studies, field trips, workshops on issues and opportunities, group discussions and guest presentations. The Program is aimed upskilling middle and senior managers to become impactful leaders in their business and industry.

2025 Hort Connections Conference, Ginger Grower Sponsorship – recently completed
This sponsorship funded four current ginger levy payer growers to attend the 2025 Hort Connections Conference, in Brisbane QLD. The sponsorship covered conference passes, field tours, and entries to the Perfection Fresh breakfast and Gala Dinner in June 2025. Hort Connections is the premiere horticulture conference and trade show in Australia and New Zealand. With an extensive trade floor, insightful speaker sessions throughout the two days and historically well attended networking events, ginger growers benefited from the connections and insights gained during the conference.

Learn more about the AgriFutures Ginger Program
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