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Advancing cotton crop establishment with Australian growers.
A partnership between Cotton Seed Distributors and Syngenta to enhance the establishment and yield potential of Australian cotton crops through targeted research.
About FastStart™
Established in 2009, the FastStart™ Cotton Program is a collaborative partnership between Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) and Syngenta, dedicated to research improving the establishment and subsequent yield potential of Australian cotton crops.
The program is funded through a contribution from the sales of CSD seed treated with Syngenta Seedcare™ solutions. Through the purchase of cotton seed, growers have contributed more than $3 million to the FastStart™ Research and Development Fund since its inception.
From lab to field, FastStart™ has delivered more than 75 research projects focused on crop establishment challenges: simplified pest protection, transformed disease management, developed practical decision-support tools, strengthened planting confidence, upskilled advisors, recognised grower excellence and published the industry's go-to guide for cotton establishment.
Through research, innovation and practical solutions, FastStart™ helps Australian cotton growers establish crops with confidence and maximise every season's potential.
FastStart™ Accreditation Course
Designed to be completed in association with the FastStart™ Cotton Establishment Guide, the FastStart™ Accreditation Course is a free training module which aims to equip cotton agronomists, consultants, rural retailers and on-farm staff with the principles and tools to advise growers on best practice cotton crop establishment.
First offered in 2018, the course has since helped over 500 industry representatives successfully complete their accreditation and strengthen their understanding of cotton establishment.
The course is part of the Crop Consultants Australia (CCA) accreditation program, whereby members can gain points by successfully completing the course. Non-members are also welcomed to complete the course — ideal as part of an on-farm induction for new employees, or an upskilling update for existing farm workers.
Consisting of 40 questions, a score of at least 35/40 is required to pass. Once you achieve a passing result, it will be emailed to you and you'll be able to download your certificate of completion. If additional attempts are needed, you can retake the course as many times as required.
Start the course →Course details
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40 questionsPass mark 35/40
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7–10 minutesTo complete
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CCA accreditedCrop Consultants Australia points
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FreeOpen to members and non-members
Get in touch
Both CSD and Syngenta have teams ready to help with seasonal questions, variety advice, or program enquiries.