Producing Cocoa in Northern Australia.pdf
Publisher: Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Kingston, Australia
Language: eng
Table of contents: title: Foreword; title: This report presents the findings of the three stages of the Northern Australian Cocoa Development Alliance project conducted by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Northern Territory Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources and the Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food.; title: The project aimed to examine the feasibility of cocoa production in northern Australia in response to commercial concerns about the security of future world cocoa supplies against a backdrop of rising consumption and significant risks to production in major producing countries.; title: The study included cocoa growing trials in three northern Australian growing regions, investigations of mechanisation opportunities and a clonal introduction program.; title: The performance of cocoa was demonstrably best at northern Queensland sites where acceptable yields and quality were achieved. Trial performance at sites in other growing regions was either poor or sub-economic.; title: The economic viability of Australian-based cocoa production was examined and found to depend on good prices (above AU$2,500/t dry bean) and high productivity of harvesting and processing. Mechanised pod splitting and bean separation machinery was successfully developed in the project but has not been commercialised.; title: A fledgling cocoa industry is now developing in northern Queensland with about 35 ha of plantings established and beginning to come into production.; title: This research is an important contribution to the potential diversification of horticulture in tropical Australia.; title: This project was funded by the three partner state/territory primary industry agencies, Cadbury Schweppes and from RIRDC Core Funds which are provided by the Australian Government. There was also a contribution of funding from Timbercorp Ltd.; title: This report, an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1900 research publications, forms part of our New Plant Products R&D program, which aims to facilitate the development of new industries based on plants or plant products that have commercial potential for Australia.; title: Most of RIRDC’s publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online at www.rirdc.gov.au. Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313.; title: .; title: Peter O’Brien; title: Managing Director; title: Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation