ONE of Australia\u2019s emerging industry success stories \u2013 tea tree oil \u2013 is celebrating 25 years of growth, expansion and research and development (R&D) innovation, resulting in a doubling in production and established international markets.<\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s tea tree oil industry success story is a great example of what happens when producers and industry collaborate around a single vision driven by a desire to grow and expand.<\/p>\n
Key gains include a jump from early oil yields of 100-150 kilograms per hectare to new cultivars which consistently yield 350-450 kilograms per hectare.<\/p>\n
This increase in productivity has delivered an estimated annual $4.5 million benefit to growers and $75 million to the Australian economy over the past 17 years.<\/p>\n
Globally, Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil is an iconic product sold throughout the world and tea tree oil now generates more than $35 million a year in export sales.<\/p>\n
Australian Tea Tree Industry Association Ltd (ATTIA) chief executive officer Tony Larkman, praised the industry and welcomed the milestone, saying a number of contributing factors have taken the industry from strength to strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe establishment of the Tea Tree Oil RD&E Plan 2018 \u2013 2022 is a big win for industry and provides the structure needed to guide R&D investment and grow the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cOngoing R&D funding will ensure the industry continues to develop and tea tree oil retains its status as a key ingredient in healthcare, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, veterinary and industrial products.\u201d<\/p>\n
The industry success has been built on a platform of better oil quality, plantation productivity and the reliability and uniformity of planting stock from the breeding program.<\/p>\n
With product substitution and misrepresentation on the rise, consumers benefit from regulation of tea tree oil sales via an International Standard that specifies source and composition of the oil.<\/p>\n
The burgeoning industry is the latest to join AgriFutures Australia\u2019s levied programs, which gives producers more responsibility for ensuring ongoing funding for R&D and market expansion.<\/p>\n
Since July 2017, tea tree oil producers have been contributing to R&D, which will boost profitability, sustainability and productivity of the industry.<\/p>\n
AgriFutures Australia general manager of research and innovation Michael Beer said the $6 million breeding program has been a significant contributor to the industry\u2019s success.<\/p>\n
\u201cInvestment in R&D has already delivered efficiencies in harvesting, distillation, storage and marketable oil benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe levy arrangement will help overcome key challenges the industry faces, including staying competitive as international plantations grow in size and maturity.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ONE of Australia\u2019s emerging industry success stories \u2013 tea tree oil \u2013 is celebrating 25 years of growth, expansion and research and development (R&D) innovation, resulting in a doubling in production and established international markets. Australia\u2019s tea tree oil industry success story is a great example of what happens when producers and industry collaborate around […]<\/p>\n