When it is time for the National Variety Trials (NVT) to decide on varieties, paddock selection or germination times, the experiences of local growers, advisers and agronomists help guide these operational decisions.

This is a large part of why the NVT relies on its advisory committees. Dotted across the country, these NVT Advisory Committees (NACs) comprise growers, advisers and agronomists from each NVT region.

Each year, NACs also review trial outcomes, advise on management issues, provide counsel on changes to NVT protocols, review germination windows, and give feedback on varieties or included crop types and trial locations.

NACs were introduced following a 2008 review that recommended a more formalised advisory and consultative mechanism for grower involvement.

Today, there are 15 NACs across Australia. A recent change in Western Australia led to five regional meetings rather than a single centralised meeting in Perth.

Sean Coffey, NVT senior manager, says this change allows for a greater ability to get a handle on regional issues – a key benefit of the NACs.

That said, the NAC model remains very similar to its original form, providing stability that has helped guide NVT management decisions.

“The NACs were developed to provide advice on the program’s operational management,” Mr Coffey says.

“They are an advisory and consultative mechanism established as a ‘grower’s voice’ to provide local or regional operational advice to NVT management.

The NACs are specifically aimed at getting input from growers, or those representing grower interests, to ensure trial management reflects district practice.

“This is important when we have to make late changes to trial sites. They have helped identify suitable paddocks and work with our trial service providers (TSPs). TSPs will be in contact with NAC members for support and advice throughout the year,” Mr Coffey says.

This has included decisions from increasing the dry sowing of crops to transitioning certain trial series into or out of the program.

“NACs have also provided the NVT team with valuable advice on any new changes to the program.”

The NVT team is always open to new NAC members. Contact an NVT regional manager or email nvt@grdc.com.au.