The Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) sector, with 21 operators across the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia, plays a significant role in the Australian economy, particularly in the north. This crocodile farming industry is renowned for producing high-quality skins for the luxury fashion market, alongside meat and other Australian crocodile products and by-products.
The Australian Crocodile Industry RD&E Plan 2024–2029 demonstrates the industry’s collaborative potential and sets a clear research pathway to help crocodile farming remain ethical, sustainable and profitable in a high‑cost operating environment. The Plan responds to real-world challenges facing the sector maintaining social licence (including expectations around animal welfare), strengthening biosecurity, managing climate and input cost pressures, and improving productivity and product quality in a competitive global market.
The five themes identified by industry to ensure its resilience and capability are:
Because saltwater crocodiles are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) oversees the industry to a degree and is responsible for CITES reporting. Strong collaboration across industry, government and research is essential to maintain market access, support traceability from farm to end product, and keep shared standards current—such as the Code of Practice on the Humane Treatment of Wild and Farmed Australian Crocodiles.
While there is no national peak body at present, the Crocodile Farmers Association of Northern Territory (CFANT) is active, and industry has expressed strong support for forming a national body to improve whole-of-industry representation and coordination.
This collaboration matters because the sector’s long-term success depends on unified leadership, consistent compliance, effective RD&E extension, and credible sustainability and animal welfare credentials that protect social licence and premium market positioning.
AgriFutures can assist with enquiries regarding the saltwater crocodile industry’s research, current projects, publications, RD&E priorities and investment opportunities. Email and let us know what you’re looking for (for example: publications, RD&E Plan priorities, or ways to participate in research and extension activities).
For enquiries about farming/growing advice, import or export, processing, or other industry-related matters, please contact the ">Crocodile Farmers Association of Northern Territory (CFANT) The industry is also working toward establishing a national peak industry body.
Crocodile farming in Australia is closely tied to conservation and is often described as a proven crocodile conservation and sustainable-use model. In the Northern Territory, most production stock is derived from wild eggs collected under an approved management program, with quotas and oversight designed to balance conservation, industry growth and public safety.
Long-term monitoring shows saltwater crocodile populations in the Northern Territory recovered after protection in 1971, with research indicating recovery occurred despite regulated, controlled harvest arrangements.
Australian crocodile products are led by high-quality skins, primarily used for luxury leather goods (for example, high-end fashion items such as handbags). Crocodile meat is also produced and sold predominantly in Australia for human consumption and pet meat.
Beyond skins and meat, farms generate by-products such as skulls, feet and teeth that are made into curio items and sold through the tourism market. Crocodile fat is already used in the beauty industry, with RD&E exploring further high-value by-product opportunities (e.g., collagen) and the requirements to ensure food and medicinal safety.
Crocodiles are farmed in Australia’s tropical north, with the industry comprising 21 operators across the Northern Territory (NT), Queensland and Western Australia (WA). The NT is the major hub, with multiple farms and breeding/incubation facilities supporting production, while Queensland includes several operators (including suppliers of juvenile stock to other farms). Western Australia’s remaining crocodile park is still operating and is understood to on-sell hatchlings, although it is no longer producing for the skin market.
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