Kangaroo

Australia’s commercial kangaroo harvest industry is recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable wild harvest industries, underpinned by science-based management practices and a strong commitment to animal welfare.

Explore popular kangaroo content

About the AgriFutures Kangaroo Program

Kangaroo RD&E Plan

Industry Blueprint

The National Code of Practice: Project Summary and FAQs

The National Code of Practice: SOP Resources

Latest news and events

Kangaroo

New tech tested to support kangaroo management

PhD student Evan Curtis has reached a turning point in research investigating the use of drones, simulation studies and artificial intelligence (AI) to sustainably manage the kangaroo industry in NSW.

6 min read

Three women discuss research at a conference. One wears a pink shirt and badge, another a white jacket with a backpack, and the third a yellow top. Blurred attendees and booths focused on development are visible in the background.

KANGAROO / 14.04.23

First of its kind agriculture innovation tour connects producers across the country

Agritech has taken enormous steps in recent times – but on-farm uptake hasn’t advanced at the same pace. Determined to match strides, AgriFutures Australia hosted the inaugural Innovation Intensive Tour in February 2023.

5 min read

A four-part collage: rural farm equipment in a field, the Adelaide Convention Centre building, people attending a conference, and a person taking a photo of a phone displaying the word evoke—all set in vibrant Australia.

KANGAROO / 02.11.22

Calling all AgriFutures Australia growers and producers: you are invited to be a part of the inaugural Innovation Intensive Tour

Advancements in agricultural technology have enabled more informed decision-making about crops and livestock, eased traditionally labour-intensive tasks, reduced environmental impacts, and generated a range of efficiencies in production, processing and distribution.

2 min read

A man with short hair wearing a blue pullover and checkered shirt stands outdoors in a rural, park-like area with green grass and trees in the background, looking at the camera and smiling slightly.

KANGAROO / 13.07.21

Collaboration opens doors to “big picture” research

Adding value to the thousands of levy payers across our industries is a key driver for research, development and extension (RD&E) at AgriFutures Australia. Now more than ever, collaboration will drive the way we deliver research outcomes for farmers and producers, who often face similar issues across related industries and in their own-mixed farming enterprises.

By John Smith, AgriFutures Australia, General Manager Research

6 min read

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About the AgriFutures Kangaroo Program

The AgriFutures Kangaroo Program invests in research which aims to further enhance animal welfare, sustainability, communication and extension, nutritional value, food safety, and product value. The Program has two key objectives:

The kangaroo industry’s licence to operate is enhanced
The consumer appeal of kangaroo products is enhanced.

The AgriFutures Kangaroo Program Strategic RD&E Plan identifies and balances the research, development and extension priorities and outcomes to promote industry productivity, profitability and sustainability.

Download the AgriFutures Kangaroo Program Strategic RD&E Plan 2021-26

About your levy

The Australian kangaroo (macropod) industry operates under a statutory levy applied per carcase processed. For kangaroos processed for human consumption, a 7‑cent levy applies, with 3 cents directed to the National Residue Survey (NRS) and 4 cents allocated to research, development and extension (RD&E). Macropods processed for animal consumption attract a 3‑cent levy, fully directed to the NRS. Other macropod species processed for human consumption are subject to a 4‑cent levy, dedicated entirely to RD&E. These levy arrangements support product integrity, food safety and the long‑term sustainability of kangaroo harvesting.

Levies are collected under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Acts and may support biosecurity, residue testing, marketing, and RD&E. For kangaroos, AgriFutures Australia invests the RD&E levy in line with the industry’s Strategic Plan and receives Commonwealth matching funding (up to 50c per dollar of eligible expenditure), along with third‑party contributions.

Find out more about your levy
View the Kangaroo Annual Report Summary

Collaboration

A continued investment into kangaroo research will ensure continued sound animal welfare practices and enhance perceptions of the industry. We are committed to working closely with all those involved in the kangaroo industry to identify research priorities and make Program investments which will have the greatest impact on the industry.

Visit the Australian Wild Game Industry Council previously known as Kangaroo Industry Association Australia (KIAA)

Contact

For project related inquiries:

Stacey Lawrence
Manager, Levied Industries – Kangaroo Program

0429 562 313

Caitlin Ginn
Coordinator, Levied Industries – Kangaroo Program

0437 809 730

For industry and strategic issues and inquiries:

Stephen Taylor
Senior Manager, Levied Industries – Kangaroo Program

0448 810 222

FAQs about AgriFutures' Kangaroo Work

Why is the kangaroo industry a focus of AgriFutures?

The Australian kangaroo industry supports sustainable wildlife management while delivering environmental, social and economic benefits. Managed harvesting helps maintain ecological balance, creates income for regional and Indigenous communities, and supplies a lean, high‑protein meat and high‑quality hides for global markets.

What are the primary uses of kangaroo products?

Kangaroo products are used across the meat, leather and wildlife management sectors. Kangaroo meat is supplied to human consumption and pet food markets, while hides are used to produce durable, lightweight leather for fashion, sporting and motorbike gear, supporting responsible population management.

Is commercial kangaroo harvesting sustainable?

The Australian kangaroo industry operates under strict state and territory regulations, with harvest quotas set through regular population assessments. This science‑based approach supports sustainability targets outlined in the AgriFutures Kangaroo Program Strategic RD&E Plan (2021-2026) including preserving biodiversity, reducing overgrazing, and ensuring ethical and humane harvesting practices.

Where can I learn more?

We recommend reading the AgriFutures Kangaroo Program Strategic RD&E Plan (2021-2026) to understand the Program goal, priorities and what kinds of RD&E activities are funded.

For ongoing updates – current and past contracted projects, Program updates, project outcomes and extension activities are regularly shared on the AgriFutures website, social media platforms and other official communications channels.

Further research and insights from the Australian Wild Game Industry Council (formerly known as the Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia or KIAA) and relevant Australian government resources.

Funding opportunities

Kangaroo

Environment and sustainability

National trends

Productivity

Explore popular kangaroo content

About the AgriFutures Kangaroo Program

Kangaroo RD&E Plan

Industry Blueprint

The National Code of Practice: Project Summary and FAQs

The National Code of Practice: SOP Resources

Latest news and events

Kangaroo

New tech tested to support kangaroo management

KANGAROO / 14.04.23

First of its kind agriculture innovation tour connects producers across the country

KANGAROO / 02.11.22

Calling all AgriFutures Australia growers and producers: you are invited to be a part of the inaugural Innovation Intensive Tour

KANGAROO / 13.07.21

Collaboration opens doors to “big picture” research

Download kangaroo resources

kangaroo

Evaluation of captive-bolt devices for the stunning of kangaroo young

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Fact sheet: Identifying new revenue opportunities for the kangaroo industry

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Industry blueprint: Kangaroo

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Kangaroo Code Review

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AgriFutures Kangaroo Program Strategic RD&E Plan (2021-2026)

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Impact assessment of investment in the AgriFutures Kangaroo Program

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The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes

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The development of a new code of practice for the commercial harvesting of kangaroos

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National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes

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The Australian kangaroo industry: male-only harvesting, sustainability and an assessment of animal welfare impacts

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Foodservice Attitudes towards Kangaroo Meat

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Quality Specifications for Kangaroo Paw

Learn about kangaroo projects

Kangaroo

USA FDA approval of irradiated kangaroo meat

Kangaroo

Evaluation of captive bolts for the stunning of kangaroo young

Kangaroo

Determining optimal management strategies for four large macropods in New South Wales

Kangaroo

Kangaroo Commercial Code Review

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Animal welfare and sustainability of the Australian kangaroo harvesting industry

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Development of a Kangaroo Industry RD&E Plan

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Kangaroo meat export market access analysis

Kangaroo

Building confidence in kangaroo meat for pet nutrition

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Kangaroo sulphur dioxide and thiamine relationship study Supplemental study # 2

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Kangaroo sulphur dioxide and thiamine relationship study (supplement)

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Kangaroo Meat Sulphite and Thiamine

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The effect of Sulphur Dioxide on the Thiamine content of fresh kangaroo meat

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Kangaroo wildgame industry training initiative

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Improving the welfare and humaneness of commercially harvested kangaroos.

Kangaroo

Advanced Meat Hygiene Training for Kangaroo Harvesters

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Kangaroo and the China Free Trade Agreement

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Taking the Kangaroo Industry to the internet community