The Australian grains industry thrives on innovation, dedicated grain growers and the next generation of scientists, agronomists, and leaders.
Attracting, developing and inspiring individuals is essential to securing a prosperous future. This means focusing on building capacity and strengthening abilities across the entire research, development, and extension (RD&E) pipeline. That will ensure profitable, sustainable solutions for grain growers and the wider supply chain.
To achieve this, GRDC invests in a range of approaches, guided by its Capacity and Ability Foundational Enabler (RD&E Plan 2023–28).
We focus on initiatives that help us connect with the right people, maintain essential infrastructure, and build strong pathways that deliver for growers.
The GroundCover™ Supplement: Cultivating capacity showcases some of the investments we've made to achieve the objective outlined in our RD&E Plan. However, our focus is not only on talented research scientists but also growers and others involved in ensuring on-farm impact through communication, extension and commercialisation.
For example, AuSoRGM, the annual meeting of Australian public and private sorghum researchers, investors and growers, focuses on genetic and agronomic improvement, crop protection, and opportunities for value-adding in product utilisation. The event is supported by GRDC, the Queensland Government and The University of Queensland.
We also use sponsorship to support initiatives building thriving, resilient communities to ensure RD&E can be implemented by growers.
Grain Producers Australia – Farmer Mates Mental Health is one of these. The program focuses on empowering local leaders and sharing resources to support farmers and rural communities. Now in its fourth year, GPA’s Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative has put the spotlight on mental health to help raise awareness and reduce stigmas, including on suicide prevention.
Supporting programs goes beyond the benefits to individuals and communities. For example, GRDC regional panel members Pru Cook and Georgina Pengilley talk about their experience of the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.
While this program increases grains industry leadership capacity, there are other benefits. GRDC (and growers) benefit from the additional experience and skills they bring to our panel system. Pru and Georgina, in turn, benefit from the experiences and opportunities that being part of the panel provides.
Grain Growers Limited – Innovation Generation is another GRDC-sponsored event that contributes to building industry skills, knowledge and connections. This event targets those in the grains industry aged between 18 and 35. It brings together the brightest and best speakers with real-world experience. The agenda is designed to empower future ag leaders to tackle national industry opportunities and challenges.
GRDC’s contribution to building and maintaining the necessary capacity and ability (C&A) for world-class grains RD&E is a combination of targeted activities and indirect investment. Some of these are covered in GroundCover™ Supplement: Cultivating capacity.
Others include:
- Support for the Primary Industries Education Foundation of Australia
- GRDC Awards (Emerging Leader, Seed of Gold)
- Growers as Innovators.
While we’ve highlighted some investments in targeted C&A activities to address specific needs or gaps, GRDC’s greatest contribution to building scientific C&A is arguably through investment in its broader portfolio of research projects and programs.
Both PhD and postdoctoral study opportunities can be linked or embedded within major GRDC investments addressing priority issues, including long-term strategic partnerships. These investments support access to leading scientists and cutting-edge facilities while working directly on priority constraints or opportunities to increase grower profit.
Enjoy learning about the people and programs driving innovation in the grains industry.
More information: Katelyn Lubcke, katelyn.lubcke@grdc.com.au
Resources: GRDC RD&E capacity and ability.