Australia-first trial of black sesame shows seeds of success

Published on 17 May 2018

The Rockhampton Region could soon become Australia’s first exporter of black sesame seeds following a successful trial of the crop at a local property in Alton Downs. 

The seeds were planted in February as part of a joint project between Council, CQUniversity, AgriVentis Technologies and local farmer Peter Foxwell to test the viability of the condiment as a commercial crop to be sold and exported.  

It is the first commercial trial of the crop in Australia in more than ten years with Foxwell Farming providing 12 hectares of land for the experiment.

CQUniversity lead researcher Dr Surya Bhattarai said yield has exceeded expectations.

“In our trial of 12 varieties of black sesame at Alton Downs during one of the driest summers, yields of up to 4 tonne per hectare have been recorded,” Dr Surya Bhattarai said.

“Black sesame is a drought tolerant seed and with only 236mm of rainfall from November to May, this trial has proven that commercial production of high quality black sesame is possible in these drought prone conditions."

Australia currently imports 94 per cent of spices and condiments for the domestic market, including 100 per cent of black sesame, which is recognised as the oldest oilseed crop on the planet. Mainly used as oil for its rich source of nutrients and nutty flavour, demand for black sesame is said to be increasing globally.

Rockhampton Regional Council has already introduced possible trade and investment opportunities with South Korea’s largest food manufacturing company, CJ, visiting the crop farm today.

Council’s Trade and Investment Executive Young Beamish said the success of the crop could lead to Foxwell Farming expanding the current 12 hectares into a wider area to grow more black sesame seeds.

“Sesame is an extremely high value product of which Australia is importing around 10,000 tonne annually, so it is extremely exciting to see the seed successfully grown right here in our Region with the potential for even greater yield,” Ms Beamish said.

“CJ has a real interest in growing sesame in Australia. Today is an opportunity to show the company that our Region offers a favourable environment for not only their cropping but their investment.

“It also reinforces our Region’s untapped agricultural opportunities and our ability to diversify our local economy.”

Foxwell Farming will harvest the black sesame seeds within the next two weeks.