Arid Zone Research Institute breakthrough opens up new opportunities for Alice Springs

The Arid Zone Research Institute on the outskirts of Alice Springs has achieved another milestone. Read about it here.

A new variety of date palms at the Arid Zone Research Institute producing fruit for the first time.

Alice Springs has achieved another milestone as a supplier of dates to national and international markets.

The Arid Zone Research Institute on the outskirts of the town has a new variety of date palms producing fruit for the first time.

The first fruiting comes from a 2013 research project and partnership between the NT Government and Gurra Downs Date Company that introduced multiple novel date palm cultivars to Central Australia.

The date palm collection, established in 1989, now hosts the largest date palm collection in the southern hemisphere.

Gurra Downs Date Company managing director Dave Reilly said the first fruit on this internationally acclaimed collection of date palm genetics was a major milestone.

“This work will provide industry stakeholders with commercially vital knowledge to help drive industry growth,” he said.

Further evaluation of these cultivars will be conducted over the coming years, with findings set to inform future industry development and commercial opportunities.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley inspects a new variety of date palms at the Arid Zone Research Institute producing fruit for the first time.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley said the milestone highlighted the potential for large-scale date production in the region, reinforcing the Territory’s position as a leader in agricultural research and development.

“This is impressive for NT agriculture, clearly demonstrating how these new date palm varieties are well-suited to thrive in Central Australia’s unique conditions,” he said.

“This week, I visited AZRI in Alice Springs to see the success of these trials first-hand.

“With these new varieties bearing fruit, we’re opening doors to industry growth, increased investment, and more jobs – all while boosting NT’s reputation for agricultural innovation.

“By working with industry experts, our government has developed and tested these cultivars to ensure they perform well in our harsh environment.”

Further evaluation of these cultivars will be conducted over the coming years, with findings set to inform future industry development and commercial opportunities.

Date palms have been grown in Australia for over 100 years, however it is still considered a niche or emerging industry worth around $2 million annually.

Originally published as Arid Zone Research Institute breakthrough opens up new opportunities for Alice Springs