Dili, 19 August 2025
A showcase celebrating 25 years of agricultural collaboration between Australia and Timor-Leste was held today in Dili, hosted by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
The ACIAR Timor-Leste Programs Showcase provided an opportunity for ACIAR’s partners to highlight compelling stories of research transforming lives, boosting productivity, promoting sustainability and improving rural livelihoods.
In her opening remarks, ACIAR CEO Professor Wendy Umberger, during her inaugural visit to Dili to engage with partners and explore collaborative opportunities, expressed deep gratitude to Timorese partners and stakeholders. ‘ACIAR extends our deepest thanks to the farmers, field workers, researchers, government officials and development partners who are committed to agriculture and rural development for a thriving Timor-Leste.’
Through collaborative efforts, ACIAR-supported research projects have introduced 19 improved crop varieties, advanced sustainable and intensified farming, mapped soil fertility for smarter land use, strengthened post-harvest systems and value chains and enhanced small-scale cattle farming, while building the skills of emerging Timorese researchers. These initiatives also support climate resilience through sustainable agriculture and adaptation strategies.
The Showcase also welcomed Timorese scholars who completed postgraduate studies in Australia through ACIAR-supported programs, underscoring ACIAR’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Timorese researchers, academics and agricultural leaders.
The Showcase is part of a series of events to commemorate Australia’s 25 years of development cooperation with Timor-Leste.
‘Australia is proud to stand alongside Timor-Leste as a long-term development partner, supporting the country’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth,’ said Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Ms Caitlin Wilson.
‘Through investments in agricultural research and innovation, the Australian and Timor-Leste governments work together to strengthen food security, build local expertise and create opportunities that benefit communities across the nation,’ added Ambassador Wilson.
Expressing her confidence in the partnership’s ongoing impact, Professor Umberger said, ‘ACIAR remains committed to deepening our collaboration with Timor-Leste by investing in research that empowers local communities, supports policy and brings global science to address national priorities.’
For more information on ACIAR projects, visit aciar.gov.au
Australian Embassy Media Liaison: 7726 6222/7754 6571