The Australian Government, through the Critical Technologies Policy Coordination Office (CTPCO), is working with a broad range of stakeholders in key sectors to understand which current and emerging critical technologies are key to Australia’s future prosperity and stability. The agriculture sector has been identified as an initial focus area for the CTPCO, with further exploration of biotechnology and photonics as specific critical technologies due to the pervasiveness of these technologies across sectors.

The CTCPO is seeking input from stakeholders, including State and Territory governments, industry leaders and professionals, academia, and international partners to better understand the impact of critical technologies on the agriculture sector to help shape future government policy and decision-making. The purpose of this consultation process is to identify key critical technology developments, assess risks to and opportunities in Australia’s national interest, and examine the approach of academia, industry and government to critical technologies.