Australia's Agave Farms Supply Distillers and Biofuel Research

Australia's only commercial agave farm, located near Bowen in Queensland, contains half a million tequilana plants that are now reaching harvest age after seven years of growth. The farm changed ownership last year when Blue Sky Drinks acquired the assets of collapsed distiller Top Shelf International.

Managing director Mick Spencer said the company is focusing on using existing plants rather than expanding acreage.

Harvesting remains labor-intensive because the plants' sharp leaves require manual handling. Queensland engineering firm EHS Manufacturing has patented an automated harvester to reduce worker exposure. In South Australia, Oli and Tara Madgett are replacing some McLaren Vale grapevines with five agave varieties.

They cite the plant's tolerance for temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius as an advantage over traditional wine grapes.

University plant scientist Rachel Burton has studied agave for 15 years and said the crop's sugars can be converted to ethanol for sustainable aviation fuel. She noted that large-scale biofuel production would require expanded nurseries. Nursery operator Jane Goodfellow in the Adelaide Hills grows 35 agave species and reports that all current field-ready plants have been ordered by distillers and researchers.

Adelaide distiller Chris Dix released his first two agave spirits this year after working previously in the wine sector. Bar Bar owner Matt Harrison in Adelaide said local producers are promoting the spirits for sipping rather than shots.