California and the Australian state of Queensland signed a memorandum of cooperation on agricultural innovation, biotechnology, and farm productivity, according to the Office of the Governor of California. The agreement was formalized during a visit by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.
Under the partnership, the two regions will collaborate in five areas: research and innovation, commercialization and industry engagement, trade and investment, skills development, and government collaboration. The California Department of Food and Agriculture and Queensland's Department of Primary Industries will create an action plan to implement the agreement.
In California, the partnership aligns with the Jobs First California AgTech Alliance, which brings together founders, growers, and industry leaders to scale agricultural technologies and create career pathways for workers. The state also operates the Farms, Food, Future (F3) initiative, which supports agriculture in California's Central Valley through technology development, sustainable farming practices, and workforce training.
Queensland launched the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, a $AU30 million investment designed to support commercially focused agricultural innovation.
The agreement reflects shared priorities between the two regions. As agricultural production leaders, the states said they aim to deepen opportunities to advance climate action on working lands and innovation in agricultural technology. The two regions also noted their shared commitment as hosts of consecutive Olympic and Paralympic Games—Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032. According to the Governor's office, California has formed over 70 international partnerships during the Newsom administration focused on economic growth and climate action.