As part of the investment, the government will provide A$10 million per year to underpin a long-term model for the sustainable delivery of applied grains research and development. An additional A$4 million in 2018-19 will provide a short-term boost to grains research and development to ensure critical programs and capacity are continued, the government said.

In total, A$45 million has been earmarked for R&D initiatives to keep Western Australia farmers at the forefront of the global grains market. The funding will be used for a new cropping systems research program; genetics and crop protection projects; grain product quality and market research; and capacity building, including university and private sector R&D grants.

Alannah MacTiernan, Minister for Agriculture and Foods

“Strong farm businesses are absolutely critical for regional economies and jobs, but our grain farmers are facing unprecedented competition from producers in the Black Sea and Argentina,” said Alannah MacTiernan, Minister for Agriculture and Foods. “We need strong government investment in agricultural research and development to stay ahead of the game; our A$45 million investment will give WA’s job-creating grain industry the support it needs to move up the value chain and stay competitive.

“This funding will help the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development retain and build its renowned excellence in grains research and will bring tangible benefits for grain producers on the ground in regional WA.”