GRDC's premier grains industry forum – the 2022 Grains Research Update, Perth – has moved to a virtual format in response to uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions in Western Australia and the increased risk of community transmission at large events.
The Perth Update event will now be held as free virtual events on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 February, giving attendees across the state access to the latest research, technology, market development and management innovations to improve the productivity and profitability of the grains industry.
Revised program details and registration links will be available soon, and for those who have already purchased tickets, conference fees will be refunded in full.
GRDC senior regional manager – west, Peter Bird, says the GRDC Grains Research Update in Perth is an important forum for growers, advisers, researchers and industry service providers to connect and share insights and knowledge to help further the state’s thriving export-focused grains industry.
“The 2021 record breaking season has left the bulk of growers and the grains industry generally in a great position to look at opportunities to invest in further improvements to increase the sustainability and profitability of farms and the industry,” Mr Bird says.
“By taking this important annual forum online, we can continue to provide the latest research and insights while protecting the health and safety of everyone involved.
“In the last week we have seen very low but consistent transmission of COVID-19 in the community. We have seen in all other states of Australia how quickly case numbers can increase, and in a month’s time when the Updates are due to be held, our situation might look very different.
“Events like the GRDC Research Update don’t come about overnight; they take a huge amount of forward planning. This is a considerable challenge for our event convenor, Grains Industry Western Australia (GIWA), and GRDC is working with them to deliver the best possible event experience to growers, advisers and researchers, as well as the presenters themselves.”
There will be additional themed Update sessions available throughout March 2022. The scheduled one-day Regional Updates will be postponed until July/August 2022.
Additional presentations will also be recorded and released during and after the Update, with recordings available online as ongoing resources for participants.
More information: visit GRDC Events, contact GIWA on 08 6262 2128, researchupdates@giwa.org.au