THE WEEKLY TIMES | Grain industry calls for an end to massive reserves in favour of on-farm trials
- Feb 19
- 1 min read
Growers across Australia are calling for Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) reserves nearing $1 billion to be put to work delivering practical outcomes.
In coverage put together by The Weekly Times the message was clear and Grain Producers Australia (GPA) Chair Barry Large says the scale of funds should prompt closer attention from the industry.
His comments follow the rejection of a proposal by GPA to the Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins to have the research, development and extension component of the compulsory grain levies to be reduced.
“It should concern every farmer that GRDC reserves were set to reach $1bn this year,” he said.
Mr Large said while GRDC has played an important role in driving productivity gains, growers are increasingly focused on how levy funds translate into value at the farm gate.
“Growers are increasingly focused on transparency, strong returns on investment and ensuring levy settings evolve alongside the industry,” he said.
He said the priority should remain on ensuring research investment is relevant and delivers outcomes growers can apply.
“We need to stick up for the core roots of research and development and it also has to be fit for purpose.”
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