The application period for the first round of the Australian Government’s $100 million Rural Research and Development (R&D) for Profit grants programme is now open. The application period closes on 15 December.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton encouraged local industry, researchers and private organisations to think creatively to develop innovative and ongoing collaborations that achieve tangible benefits for our primary industries.
“Research and development has played an important role in the development of Australian agriculture and these grants will assist in producers to take that next step in productivity,” Mr Coulton said.
“This grants programme will fund nationally coordinated, strategic research to addresses key R&D priorities that will benefit producers large and small across Australia.”
Mr Coulton said that the programme was designed to deliver beneficial and practical research and technologies directly to producers on the ground.
“R&D is critical agricultural productivity-the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has found that for every dollar the government invests in agricultural R&D, farmers generate a $12 return within 10 years,” Mr Coulton said.
“That means these partnerships and research dollars are also critical to delivering benefits to producers in Western New South Wales.”
Under the programme, all 15 Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) can apply for funding.
To be eligible, RDCs must partner with one or more researchers, research agencies, funding bodies, businesses, producer groups, or not-for-profit organisations, and provide a contribution (cash or cash and in-kind) at least equal to the requested Commonwealth grant funding.
In round one, applications must address one or more priorities in the following research, development and extension areas:
- increase the profitability and productivity of primary industries
- increase the value of primary products
- strengthen on-farm adoption and improve information flows
- strengthen primary producers’ ability to adapt to opportunities and threats.
Applications for the first round must be received by the Department of Agriculture by 11.59pm (AEST) on 15 December 2014. For more information about the Rural R&D for Profit programme visit the website at agriculture.gov.au/rd4profit
