Rural
10 August, 2025
New IRIS lab to power sugar industry growth
The State Government officially opened Sugar Research Australia’s (SRA) new Innovative Research & Industry Services (IRIS) Laboratories in Brisbane on July 16.
The IRIS facility serves as a one-stop hub for cutting-edge sugar science, providing faster results, greater precision, and tailored solutions for growers and millers.
Supported by a $2.8 million government investment, the lab will drive crucial research, development, and extension (RD&E) activities essential for the industry’s future.
This investment aligns with the Government’s strategy to grow primary industries to $30 billion by 2030.
Queensland’s sugarcane industry currently produces over 27 million tonnes annually from 330,000 hectares, generating nearly $2.5 billion.
The IRIS Lab is part of a broader investment in RD&E across Queensland, including new glasshouses at Gatton and plans for AgTech infrastructure at Emerald.
Other key investments include:
$2.85 million annually to SRA for RD&E activities.
A joint $32.6 million investment with SRA over four years.
$500,000 to Canegrowers Queensland for a Far North QLD Cane Expansion Plan.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the lab will help boost productivity, profitability, and biosecurity resilience.
SRA CEO Mick Bartlett said the world-class facility will fast-track advancements in breeding, genetics, disease screening, and soil science, ensuring SRA remains a global leader in sugarcane innovation.
The IRIS Lab supports the Primary Industries Prosper 2050 blueprint, designed to secure a strong, sustainable future for Queensland’s primary industries.
