AgriFutures Tea Tree Oil Program RD&E Plan 2026-2029
A strategic roadmap guiding research, regulatory response and sustainable growth for Australia’s premium tea tree oil industry from 2026–2029.
TEA TREE OIL
AgriFutures Tea Tree Oil Program RD&E Plan 2026-2029
27 pages
Published: 2 Mar 2026
ISBN: 978-1-76053-574-2
Share this content
-
Download report PDF
Download -
Purchase a hard copy - AUD $60
The AgriFutures Tea Tree Oil Program RD&E Plan 2026–2029 outlines the strategic research, development and extension (RD&E) priorities guiding the future of Australia’s premium native tea tree oil industry.
Developed in partnership with the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA Ltd), this comprehensive plan provides a clear roadmap to strengthen market access, respond to evolving international regulatory requirements, and support sustainable, profitable production across the sector.
With 90% of Australian tea tree oil exported globally, the plan focuses on protecting and expanding export markets through evidence-based research, regulatory engagement, and targeted scientific investment. It also safeguards long-term industry resilience through continued support of the Tea Tree Breeding Program (TTBP IV – Hibernation Project), ensuring growers maintain access to high-performing, market-driven genetic material.
Who the Plan is for
This publication is essential reading for:
- Tea tree oil growers and levy payers
- Industry stakeholders and supply chain participants
- Researchers and service providers
- Government and regulatory bodies
- Investors and agribusiness professionals
What’s inside
Inside, you’ll find:
- Industry profile and market insights
- Strategic priorities and research objectives for 2026–2029
- Regulatory response framework
- Breeding program strategy
- Financial projections and reserves policy
- Monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework
- Implementation and governance structure
The RD&E Plan positions Australian tea tree oil as a trusted, premium product differentiated by quality, efficacy and sustainability credentials in global markets.
Related resources
Virucidal effects of tea tree oil
Consumer demand for natural products such as Australian tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is driving researchers to investigate their efficacy against respiratory viruses in humans...
Fact sheet: Identifying new revenue opportunities for the tea tree oil industry
The primary objective of the Identifying revenue opportunities for AgriFutures Australia’s rural industries project was to identify potential new and alternate revenue sources within 28...
Industry blueprint: Tea Tree Oil
This blueprint serves as a resource for those interested in the tea tree oil industry and provides essential fast facts alongside the fundamental themes highlighted...
AgriFutures Tea Tree Oil Program RD&E Snapshot
Message from the Research Manager, Stephen Taylor As we head into a new research, development and extension (RD&E) period for the AgriFutures Tea Tree Oil...
AgriFutures Tea Tree Oil Program RD&E Snapshot
You know you pay a tea tree oil levy, but did you know the AgriFutures Tea Tree Oil Program is responsible for managing and investing...
Back to soil pH basics
Trees require varying quantities of different nutrients at certain stages of development. If any essential nutrient is not available when required, growth and physiological functions...
Back to soil biology basics
Healthy soils are the foundation for growing a good Tea Tree crop. Undertaking management practices that create the right environment for biological beneficials to thrive...