With vast landscapes, tropical and arid climates, and proximity to international markets, the Territory holds unique prospects for agricultural development and export. 

There is a freight railway running for more than 3000 kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin, arterial highways into South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia, an efficient port and an international airport. 

The Territory has a history of exporting quality, clean and safe foods, produced with sustainable water resources. 

The NT’s primary industries produce cattle, seafood, crocodiles, pearls, fruit, vegetables, cotton, timber, sorghum and other broadacre crops. 

Research and development continues to focus on supply chains, sustainable production systems, high-value seafood, broadacre cropping and biosecurity. 

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry contributed about $1.4 billion to the Territory economy in the 2023-24 financial year, up by 10 percent on the previous 12 months. 

Developments underway include: 

SWEETWATER 

AAM Investment Group are proposing to develop irrigated agriculture on part of the Spirit Hills pastoral lease and drive the expansion of the Ord River irrigation scheme across the border from Western Australia into the Territory. 

The development of Sweetwater will enable new arable farming land for irrigated agriculture, scaling agricultural production in the region. 

AAM is an Australian-owned and operated provider of strategic investment, asset management and operational management services focusing on Australia’s agricultural industries. 

WILDMAN 

Duxton Farms will develop the Wildman Agricultural Development, 26,000 hectares, 135 kilometres east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway. 

The land has potential for many agricultural and horticultural activities and high-yield crops, such as mangoes and melons, as well as forestry, and other broadacre crops, such as sorghum, alongside cattle production. 

Duxton Farms already manages a diversified portfolio of agricultural assets spanning 177,221 hectares across New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory. 

SINGLETON FARM 

Singleton Farm, which is part of Singleton Station, 150 kilometres south of Tennant Creek, is being developed by Fortune Agribusiness. 

The aim of this project is to establish one of Australia’s largest fruit and vegetable operations, including growing a range of fruit trees, grape vines and seasonal vegetables on about 3300 hectares, using state-of-the-art technology and farming practices. 

Fortune Agribusiness chair Peter Wood says: “Our operating philosophy is to engage and collaborate with the local community and stakeholders to create and share social and economic benefits, and to protect important cultural and environmental features. 

“We will deliver the freshest produce to Australia, Asia and beyond — grown sustainably and with respect for Country.” 

LARRIMAH 

The Larrimah Agricultural Development covers 5700 hectares, 180 kilometres south of Katherine and surrounds the township of Larrimah. 

It includes 1400 hectares suitable for irrigated intensive cropping, such as melons, legumes and peanuts. 

The developer, Larrimah Farms, is an Australian-owned partnership with extensive hands-on experience in primary production and agribusiness, and strong industry relationships in the Territory, New South Wales and South Australia. TQ