CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — Australia’s Grains Research and Development Corp. (GRDC) is investing A$20 million into infrastructure that builds long-term research capacity and supports profitability for the nation’s grain growers.

These GRDC grants will be available for grains research and development infrastructure projects located in Australia. To be eligible, applicants must provide a minimum co-contribution of 20% for projects up to $1 million and of 30% for projects of $1 million and higher. Applications will open Sept. 30.

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 for Australian grain growers.

John Woods, board chair for the GRDC and a Goondiwindi grain grower, said the dedicated national infrastructure program is designed to support research partners in creating critical, long-term capacity and capability.

“We have some of the best researchers and technicians in the world working in Australia, and to continue to attract and retain these quality specialists we need to have the best infrastructure and equipment,” Woods said. “GRDC is investing in infrastructure to ensure our research community has every opportunity to drive outcomes that deliver genuine returns on-farm for growers.”

This is the second time GRDC has invested in infrastructure that supports research and development capacity. In 2017, the organization invested A$15 million across 15 grants that had a positive impact on grains industry’s research outcomes, as well as the agricultural sector more broadly.