NT expertise on national stage
In March 2026, as heavy rainfall and rising flood risks unfolded across the Katherine region, the Northern Territory’s (NT) commitment to national agricultural collaboration remained strong.
Edward Mwando, Cropping Group Leader with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), represented the Territory at 2 major national forums focused on crop health and diversification in northern Australia.
From 17 to 18 March, Edward attended the Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration (ACDC) National Science Symposium in Toowoomba, hosted by the University of Southern Queensland. The symposium brought together researchers, pathologists, government agencies, PhD students and industry partners from across the country, working under the $13 million ACDC program funded by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC). The collaboration aims to reduce cotton disease impacts to less than 5% of production costs through improved diagnostics, stronger regional capability and innovative disease‑management tools.
Representing DAF, Edward presented an update on pathology support for cotton growers in the NT, highlighting work underway to build local diagnostic capacity in Darwin, expand disease surveillance across NT production regions, identify emerging pathogens and contribute to the national cotton pathogen reference collection. His presentation reinforced the importance of coordinated national effort as cotton production continues to expand across northern environments.
Following the symposium, Edward travelled to Canberra to attend the Cowpea Workshop 'Exploring Market, Research and Production Opportunities' from 19 to 20 March. The workshop explored the growing interest in cowpea as an emerging crop, bringing together researchers, breeders, economists and industry stakeholders. Edward presented the NT farming systems perspective, outlining cowpea’s strong adaptation to NT conditions, its value in crop rotations and its role in improving soil fertility and system resilience.
Throughout the week, Edward remained closely connected to developments in Katherine, where flooding was impacting research sites and communities. His participation highlighted DAF’s ongoing leadership and commitment to national collaboration ensuring that even amid challenging conditions, the Territory’s voice continues to shape resilient and sustainable farming systems for northern Australia.
