The impact of Brexit on agriculture in the United Kingdom and Australia will be one of the many topics up for discussion at the upcoming GRDC Grains Research Update in Perth.

Day one of the event - to be held at Crown Perth on February 24 and 25 - will kick off with a strong focus on how grains research, development and extension is organised in the UK. This includes keynote presentations from National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) Crop Science chief executive, Tina Barsby, and UK agricultural consultant Keith Norman.

NIAB is an internationally recognised organisation known for its innovative research and practical advice to improve crop production across the grain, forage and horticulture industries.

Global R&D and experiences

In her address, Dr Barsby will provide insights into the funding and practice of small grain cereal R&D and knowledge exchange in the UK, with a focus on:

• who the main players are;
• how funding works; and
• how research outcomes reach the grower and lead to on-farm change.

"The funding situation for RD&E in the UK is quite complicated, with no actual 'reservation' of funding for the grain industry," Dr Barsby says.

She will also discuss the UK's Plant Variety and Seeds Act and its impact on grains in the context of Brexit.

Meanwhile, Mr Norman will discuss cereal production in the UK considering regulation, developments in herbicide and fungicide resistance and climate change.

Also on the agenda

The two-day Perth Grains Research Update is an important source of agronomic and industry information and resources. It includes more than 50 presenters sharing the latest research results and innovations to assist on-farm profitability.

This year, the cost of attending has been reduced to encourage even greater participation from industry and growers.

The maximum price will be $300, for which participants will receive two packed days of information and a key opportunity for interaction between advisers, growers and other industry personnel.

Regional results focus

The GRDC Grains Research Update, Perth, will be followed by five regional one-day GRDC Grains Research Update events at the following WA locations:

• Kwinana West Zone, Corrigin Recreation and Events Centre - February 27
• Kwinana East Zone, Merredin Regional Community and Leisure Centre - February 28
• Geraldton Zone, Yuna Community Centre - March 6
• Albany Zone, Jerramungup Sports Centre - March 11
• Esperance Zone, Lake King Hall - March 12.

GRDC Research Code GIA1906-004SAX

More information (or to register for the Perth and regional GRDC Grains Research Updates events): GRDC website.

Or contact convenor: Grain Industry Association of WA (GIWA): 08 6262 2128, researchupdates@giwa.org.au.