AUSTRALIA— The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has announced it will invest US$20 million over the next three years into infrastructure that builds Australia’s long-term research capacity and supports the enduring profitability of the nation’s grain growers.
Through this initiative, GRDC grants will be available for grains R&D infrastructure projects located in Australia. To be eligible, applicants must provide a minimum co-contribution of 20 per cent for projects up to US$1 million, and of 30pc for projects of US$ 1 million and above.
The infrastructure grants are designed to support the building of new infrastructure, or the enhancement of existing facilities, including glasshouses, greenhouses, irrigation works, laboratories or sheds.
The grants can be also used for: sensing and communication equipment; farm and research equipment, and sample preparation and analytical equipment.
The development of key critical infrastructure aligns with GRDC’s purpose to drive the discovery and delivery of innovative, world-class research, development and extension (RD&E) for Australian grain growers.
The infrastructure grants are designed to support the building of new infrastructure, or the enhancement of existing facilities, including glasshouses, greenhouses, irrigation works, laboratories or sheds.
GRDC Board chair and Goondiwindi grain grower John Woods said the dedicated national infrastructure program was designed to support research partners in creating critical, long-term capacity and capability.
“This investment comes on the back of extraordinary seasons in 2020 and 2021 in terms of gross value of production nationally and solidifies our unwavering commitment to support RD&E that improves growers’ bottom lines,” Mr. Woods said.
“GRDC invests on behalf of grain growers and this significant investment reflects our priority of putting growers’ money towards investments that will make a genuine difference.
“Our investments must make an impact and building Australia’s research capacity is critical for the future of the grains industry for generations to come.”
This is the second time GRDC has invested in infrastructure that supports R&D capacity. In 2017, the organisation invested $15M across 15 grants that had a positive impact on grains industry’s research outcomes, as well as the agricultural sector more broadly.
Successful recipients ranged from major universities to farming groups, with many reporting the new infrastructure had fast-tracked new research outcomes to growers, drought-proofed key trial sites or allowed for the expansion of major research projects.
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