The Sydney Institute of Agriculture (SIA) brings together agricultural research and expertise from across the University of Sydney to translate world-class science into practical impact for agriculture and food systems
Working with industry, government and communities, SIA supports innovation that strengthens productivity, profitability and resilience across farming and supply chains, while responding to the environmental pressures shaping the future of Australian agriculture.
Interdisciplinary approach
SIA’s approach is deliberately interdisciplinary: it connects fundamental science with applied solutions, recognising that enduring improvements in crop and livestock performance depend on the systems that underpin them — from climate and water availability through to land capability and farm management.
This systems perspective supports research and engagement that is both technically rigorous and decision-relevant, designed to move beyond isolated findings and into tools, guidance and partnerships that can be implemented at scale.
Research themes
Research spans key themes including plant breeding and production, carbon, water and soil, quality food, animal agriculture, development agriculture, digital agriculture, and urban agriculture. These themes reflect an integrated view of agriculture, where data-enabled decision-making, on-farm practice, and policy and market settings all contribute to sector performance and long-term sustainability.
SIA is supported by major research and teaching locations and facilities, including the University’s Camden campus, which enables field-to-lab research and hands-on education across plant, animal and land-based systems.
Regional infrastructure also supports large-scale field trials and collaboration with farming communities, helping to ensure that research outcomes remain grounded in the realities of Australian production environments.
