Opportunities for Australian sesame seeds are growing, with strong demand across food, health and feed markets.
Recent advances in sesame seed farming, including high‑yielding, non‑dehiscing varieties suited to mechanical harvesting are improving efficiency and reducing risk. With improved genetics and agronomic practices, sesame farming is emerging as a viable option for Australian growers.
Sesame AgriFutures Australia is investing $2 million into a new five-year national program of research to scale-up production of the high-value crop sesame.
3 min read
SESAME / 07.10.25 On a cotton farm near Emerald in central Queensland, something unusual is taking root. Among the cotton, mung beans and peanuts that typically fill the rotation, a small but mighty crop is showing its potential to change the face of Australian agriculture: sesame.
5 min read
This factsheet summarises results from recent sesame variety trials across Kingaroy, Jinghi, Durong and Gurgeena, confirming that sesame performs strongly in Southern Queensland’s summer cropping...
Publication / 2 Pages
This factsheet introduces PREDICTA® Sesame, a DNA‑based soil test that helps growers detect and quantify key soilborne pathogens before planting. It explains why early testing...
Publication / 2 Pages
The Monosem single-row planter is a precision planting unit suited for various small-seeded crops, including sesame. Recent research by CQUniversity, funded by AgriFutures Australia, has...
Publication / 3 Pages
Managing sesame production in northern Australia during extreme weather events such as cyclones and floods requires a multi-faceted approach including proactive agricultural management strategies, adaptive...
Publication / 3 Pages
Sesame is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, but an industry that is emerging within the Australian agriculture landscape. The white and black sesame seeds you buy in the supermarket or those sprinkled on top of your hamburger buns and sushi rolls are almost certainly imported from developing countries in Asia and Africa. But with the global sesame market worth more than US $7 billion and demand continuing to escalate, an Australian sesame renaissance is beginning to gain momentum.
Podcast
This video discusses the planting equipment used for sesame crops.
Video / 7 Min Watch
This video discusses the harvesting equipment used for sesame crops.
Video / 3 Min Watch
This placemat serves as a resource for those interested in the emerging sesame industry. Within this placemat, you’ll find essential fast facts alongside the fundamental...
Publication / 2 Pages
Sesame is perfectly suited to Australia’s hot and dry conditions and may be an attractive option as a high-return break crop in broadacre farming systems....
Publication / 3 Pages
Sesame is perfectly suited to Australia’s hot and dry conditions and at prices of up to A$2000 / tonne, it could play a role as...
Publication / 2 Pages
Through research funded by the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program, we aim to establish Australian sesame seeds as a viable and competitive crop option within northern farming systems. By driving targeted research and development across the value chain, sesame seed production in Australia is projected to support an industry exceeding $10 million in gross value of production (GVP) by 2026.
The Australian Sesame Strategic RD&E Plan 2021–26 outlines six key priorities to guide the development of sustainable sesame seed production in Australia:
The Australian Sesame Strategic RD&E Plan identifies and balances research, development and extension priorities to support industry productivity, profitability and long‑term sustainability, strengthening the future of sesame seed production in Australia.
Download the Australian Sesame Strategic RD&E Plan 2021-26
Find out more by watching our explainer video here
The Australian Sesame Strategic RD&E Plan was developed through extensive consultation with a Sesame Stakeholders Group (SSG), comprising growers, industry representatives, industry organisations, government and researchers involved in sesame seed production. This collaborative process led to the establishment of an Industry Reference Board, now known as the Australian Sesame Industry Development Association (ASIDA), to lead the coordinated growth and development of the industry and oversee implementation of the Strategic RD&E Plan supporting Australian sesame seeds.
Visit the Australian Sesame Industry Development Association
If you are interested in contributing to the future of the Australian sesame industry, AgriFutures Australia welcomes engagement from growers, researchers, industry participants and stakeholders across the value chain. Whether you are exploring opportunities to participate in sesame‑related research programs, share industry insights or simply learn more about current and future projects, please contact us via
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