Abby Templeton

A fourth-generation ginger farmer and biomedical scientist, Abby Templeton is uniquely positioned to investigate ways to extend upon the sector’s clean seed program and assist with the commercialisation on-farm. 

Based between Maryborough and the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Abby works as project officer at Templeton Farming Enterprises, Australia’s largest ginger producer, supplying to major manufacturers including Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and Buderim Foods.

Abby holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and International Business from QUT and recently graduated with a Master of Philosophy in Cancer Research. Her academic and professional background equips her with strong analytical, communication, and project management skills, which she applies to compliance programs, agronomic decision-making grant writing, and in-field trials.

Her Nuffield topic, “Bridging the gap between research and commercialisation of a tissue culture program,” addresses a critical challenge in the ginger industry: the rise of off-type plants in the clean seed program, which reduce rhizome yield and have a financial impact on growers. 

These issues have not only impacted the ginger industry but have also affected other industries including bananas. Abby hopes that by looking into other similar crops as part of her study, it will create practical solutions across agricultural sectors.

Abby aims to investigate global best practices in tissue culture across similar crops such as banana, potatoes and turmeric, looking at on-farm strategies that may reduce the risk of off-types. She hopes to visit India, Japan, and other regions producing ginger and similar crops.

Her study aligns with the industry’s strategic priorities, as well as those of AgriFutures Australia, which has invested in clean seed and tissue culture initiatives. 

Abby’s goal is to translate scientific processes into practical, scalable solutions for growers—enhancing productivity, reducing disease incidence, and improving seed quality helping to improve the sustainability of industry and wider agriculture sector.