Applications are now open for the next round of research and grower group funding through the South Australian Grain Industry Trust.
Research applications for projects that directly benefit South Australian grain growers and the wider grain industry are encouraged.
This year, SAGIT is also looking for projects that address a number of key priority areas from aquaculture feed to sustainability and spray drift.
SAGIT chair Dr Andrew Barr said SAGIT was unashamedly SA-focused and looked to invest in research with a focus on driving practice change.
“We have an open call for funding, and we encourage innovation from the research community, grower groups and grain industry participants,” he said.
“This year, we have highlighted some key priority research areas on issues we feel South Australian growers could benefit from.
“We know many growers felt the impact of frost this harvest, so we’d like to see an extension project on frost research. We’re also looking to reach those outside the traditional agriculture industry and encourage projects on developing ingredients and a supply chain for a commercial aquaculture feed industry in SA, utilising genetically modified omega 3 canola as a feed source.”
Dr Barr encouraged applicants to review current SAGIT projects and the South Australian Grain Industry Blueprint while also considering the key research priorities, which are detailed online: Funding | SAGIT.
“We know that every dollar must make an impact, so we want to invest in research that delivers direct outcomes on-farm and continues to drive growth in the South Australian grain industry,” he said.
On average, SAGIT invests more than $2 million a year in supporting research crucial to advancing SA’s multi-billion-dollar grain industry. The funds are raised through a voluntary contribution from SA growers of 30 cents per tonne of grain delivered, which is currently under review.
“We know how proud South Australian growers are of their ongoing investment in research, development and extension, but the SA grain industry is very different now to when the levy collection system was set up,” Dr Barr said.
“The cost of research has surged since 2012 and an uplift in the Grains Industry Research and Development Fund will ensure SAGIT’s annual grant call will attract the best and most impactful projects and cover the increases in the costs of undertaking research.
“SAGIT provides a unique opportunity to enable researchers to make a difference to farming practice in this state.”
Funding applications for research projects must be received by Friday 2 February 2024. All relevant application guidelines and forms can be found on the SAGIT website at Funding | SAGIT.
For more detail on the proposed changes to the SAGIT levy, growers are invited to join a webinar hosted by Grain Producers SA and SAGIT on Monday 18 December at 2:30pm. Further information is available at: GIF & GIRDF Reform Proposal | Grain Producers SA
The SAGIT team review submitted applications during February and early March, with applicants notified of the results in late March.
SAGIT Project Manager Malcolm Buckby and Scientific Officer Jenny Davidson are happy to discuss project concepts and plans before submission. SAGIT also recommends speaking with a statistician prior to applying and designing a trial. Contact details are available online at: Contact Us | SAGIT
ENDS
For interviews, please contact Bridget Penna, AgCommunicators, 0429 676 413
