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Announcements, 15 Feb 2024
GRDC invests $1.9m in research for climate-resilient crops
The Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) has embarked on a pivotal partnership with the Australian National University (ANU) and other industry stakeholders, dedicating $1.9 million over three years to enhance the development of climate-resilient wheat varieties. This innovative project focuses on creating wheat genetics capable of withstanding high temperatures and aims to unravel the mechanisms that allow wheat to thrive under heat stress. Professor Owen Atkin from ANU's Agrifood Innovation Institute highlighted the urgency of this research, noting the adverse effects of rising global temperatures on wheat yields worldwide. With predictions indicating significant yield losses for every degree increase in global mean temperature, the initiative seeks to counteract these challenges by improving crop productivity in the face of a burgeoning global population. GRDC's Prameela Vanambathina emphasized the critical role of understanding leaf carbon exchange processes — encompassing both photosynthesis and respiration — in achieving this goal.
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Announcements, 05 Feb 2024
GRDC and Farmers2Founders launch agtech program pathway
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) in partnership with Farmers2Founders (F2F) has initiated TEKLAB Grains, a comprehensive program designed to propel the development of agtech solutions tailored for the grains industry. This unique pathway aims to nurture farmers, students, tech developers, and budding entrepreneurs through the entire lifecycle of a startup, from ideation to commercial success. By focusing on the grains sector, TEKLAB Grains seeks to address specific industry challenges, enhancing yield, efficiency, and profitability for grain growers. Skye Raward, Co-Founder of Farmers2Founders, emphasizes the program's role in bridging the gap between great ideas and their implementation, providing essential tools and resources to minimize risk and expedite development.
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Announcements, 18 Jan 2024
GRDC announces major investments to combat Septoria tritici blotch in wheat
The NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australian National University, and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) have united to combat Septoria Tritici Blotch (STB), a significant threat to wheat production in Australia's northern and southern grain-growing regions. With STB capable of slashing yields by up to 50%, and the annual cost of traditional fungicide control reaching $121 million, this $8 million, five-year research investment is a strategic response to the evolving resistance against common fungicides like triazoles and strobilurin. GRDC's genetic technologies officer, Prameela Vanambathina, outlines the project's tripartite approach: identifying novel STB resistance genes, finding optimal combinations of adult plant resistance genes, and understanding plant-pathogen interactions. This initiative aims to equip Australian grain growers with essential tools and knowledge to mitigate STB's impact, addressing the increasing fungicide resistance and the susceptibility of most wheat varieties to STB. The project is poised to play a crucial role in the development of new, disease-resistant Australian wheat varieties, ensuring sustainable wheat production and reducing reliance on fungicides.
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Announcements, 11 Jan 2024
Updated essential herbicide manuals released
GRDC has released updated editions of two essential herbicide manuals for Australian grain growers.
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Announcements, 18 Dec 2023
GRDC infrastructure investments to enhance research capacity in Qld and NSW
In 2023, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) announced significant infrastructure grants to Queensland and NSW recipients, as part of their $20 million national program aimed at strengthening Australia's grains research capacity. This initiative underscores GRDC's commitment to enhancing the profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers. GRDC Board Chair John Woods highlights the program's focus on impactful investments in research infrastructure, ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of grain research. Beneficiaries include regional grower groups, universities, and government departments, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and research tools. Among the notable recipients is The Irrigation Farmers Network, granted over $400,000 for specialized research equipment.
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Announcements, 18 Dec 2023
GRDC infrastructure investments to build research capacity across southern Australia
The grants are part of a $20 million investment program to build Australia’s long-term grains research capacity and support the enduring profitability of the nation’s grain growers. GRDC Board chair and grain grower John Woods says that the program reflected GRDC’s priority of putting growers’ money towards investments that will make a genuine difference.
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Announcements, 13 Dec 2023
GRDC infrastructure investments to enhance research capacity in WA
The grants are part of a wider $20 million investment program to build Australia’s grains research capacity and support the enduring profitability of the nation’s grain growers. GRDC Board chair and grain grower John Woods says that the program reflected GRDC’s priority of putting growers’ money towards investments that will make a genuine difference.
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Announcements, 11 Dec 2023
New national chickpea breeding HQ open for research
A $10 million state-of-the-art research centre, located in northern New South Wales, will be the new headquarters for Australia’s national chickpea breeding program.
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Announcements, 06 Nov 2023
Growers needed for research to assess regen ag
A national hunt is on for at least 60 growers who use a range of farming practices to assist in a GRDC research investment exploring current cropping methods, with a focus on regenerative agriculture.
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Announcements, 24 Oct 2023
Crop Protection Forum comes to Adelaide
Stay current on crop protection strategies at the Crop Protection Forum in Adelaide on December 6. The event, organized by AHRI, CCDM, and Cesar Australia with support from GRDC, focuses on herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide resistance, featuring top experts. The forum addresses issues relevant to South Australian growers.