Summary

Desktop research and industry engagement are required to create a robust RD&E Plan for the emerging Australian guayule industry. AgEconPlus has an established track record investigating the feasibility of new data-poor industries and working closely with growing, processing and marketing stakeholders to deliver effective RD&E plans. AgEconPlus’s second preference is for the emerging moringa industry.

Guayule is a crop suited to semi-arid areas, produces latex that is low-allergenic and is vital to people suffering life-threatening allergies caused by tropical Hevea rubber (e.g., use in medical catheters). The availability of Hevea rubber is decreasing and synthetic rubber does not possess the resistance to viral transmissivity of guayule rubber.

Emerging Industry RD&E Plans are required to establish a foundation for industry growth, to attract value chain partners and to enable targeted investment. The guayule industry RD&E Plan will become a valuable resource for the promotion of the industry and attraction of industry investment. However, preparation of an RD&E plan does not guarantee future AgriFutures funding.

The AgriFutures Emerging Industries RD&E Plan template will guide plan development. AgEconPlus will complete desktop research, undertake preliminary feasibility/market assessment, and consult with industry to identify key priorities, objectives, short- and long-term outcomes and overall desired industry impacts. Key to development of an effective RD&E plan will be delivery of a customised industry engagement plan and achieving industry endorsement of the final RD&E plan. Establishing a stakeholder contact list and completing initial stakeholder engagement will be a first order priority for plan development.

Program

New and Emerging Industries

Research Organisation

AgEconPlus Pty Ltd

Objective Summary

To provide the guayule industry stakeholders and AgriFutures Australia with a 5-year Strategic RD&E Plan that outlines the key constraints and opportunities for growth within the guayule industry, including key RD&E investment priorities and recommendations to further enhance industry growth.