The Australian grain industry has a long history of innovation, from the development and adoption of first wheat varieties suited to Australian conditions at the time of Federation to modern precision agriculture that involves high technology equipment and data-driven farming approaches. GrainGrowers is committed to fostering innovation within our industry, driving sustainability, productivity and economic growth.
Recent reports have indicated a slowing in farm productivity, underscoring the need for renewed focus on innovation. The Grain Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is one of the most significant contributors to on-farm innovation in the grain industry. The GRDC provides a mechanism that allows the grain industry to co-invest in strategic, collaborative and targeted research
and development (R&D) with the Australian Government.
However, it is important to recognise the breadth of innovation that can occur in modern farm businesses. Broadly defined, innovation can be impacted by issues that range across R&D, biotechnology, plant breeding, farm chemicals, workforce development, supply chains, telecommunications, sustainability and climate adaptation. Critically, innovations are also generated on-farm, and pathways to foster and support these innovations need to be recognised and supported.
GRAINGROWERS SUPPORTS:
- A business and regulatory environment that encourages innovation through investment, supportive policies, and programs in workforce, supply chains, and climate adaptation.
- Continued co-investment in R&D through GRDC to drive sustainability and profitability.
- Healthy R&D institutions, effective extension networks, and grower capacity to adopt innovations are fundamental to innovation success.
- Where new and innovative technology is regulated, the regulation needs to be risk-based, informed by science and aligned with international best practice.
GRAINGROWERS RECOGNISES:
- R&D investment is fundamental to generating the new knowledge and technology required to underpin modern Australian agriculture.
- The GRDC plays a critical role in supporting on-farm innovation in the grain industry, and its success depends on the capacity of Australia’s R&D institutions, extension networks, and growers’ ability to implement innovations. In addition, significant research effort is supported directly by the Commonwealth Government, including through the CSIRO and universities, and through the states and territories through their respective agricultural departments.
- Productivity improvement depends on an effective national innovation system, including support for public and private R&D and investment, along with government policies that support innovation in farm businesses and appropriate regulation.
- Australian agriculture requires an active and vibrant market for new technologies and safe, effective tools suited to local conditions and which supports growers to remain internationally competitive while remaining sustainable and productive.
- Ensuring growers have access to effective extension services remains a critical aspect of supporting the adoption of technologies and innovation and is fundamental to realising the value of research and development.
GRAINGROWERS SEEKS:
- A regulatory environment that: facilitates innovation; is internationally consistent; and can continually adapt to technological change and advances in scientific understanding of issues.
- Increased support for Australia’s R&D institutions and programs to ensure they remain relevant to the changing needs of industry.
- National coordination of Australian agricultural R&D to support investment in critical research infrastructure, underpin capacity development and address future challenges.
- Continued support and focus on effective extension of research to ensure growers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to undertake their businesses.
- Policies that promote adoption of innovation and productivity gains across areas including workforce, migration, supply chains, and climate challenges.
- When new products and technologies are introduced technology developers need to collaborate with the industry to support the technology and maintain
Australia’s reputation for producing high quality, safe, and consistent grain for our markets.