The announcement of Agricultural Innovation Australia (AIA) has been welcomed by GrainGrowers who have been calling for improved cross-industry RD&E investment for some time. With most farm businesses running mixed enterprises, the R&D projects have been too fragmented and there has not been optimal value back to levy payers. This new entity represents a positive way forward for all commodities.
AIA is a focused, special purpose investment vehicle that will facilitate cross industry investment as well as attract commercial interest from Australia and overseas in agricultural research and development.
“The majority of our growers run livestock in addition to cropping and the siloed nature of Rural Research and Development Corporations alongside the complexities of several joint projects means there has not been a focussed approach to the wide variety of issues that impact all farm businesses” said David McKeon, GrainGrowers CEO
GrainGrowers has worked extensively on behalf of growers to champion this initiative and welcomes the additional $1.3 million in seed funding that the Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud has announced that will allow targeted cross-sectorial investment.
“AIA will be able to focus on attracting greater RD&E investment and tackling the big industry issues, such as climate change, biosecurity and soil research. This is a great opportunity to deliver significant benefits for Australian farmers” said McKeon.
“We congratulate the organisations and individuals who have helped establish this important initiative and look forward to working with AIA.”
