The State Government will spend $24 million on research and development (R&D) to drive growth, and keep the State’s grain industry internationally competitive.
This investment provides $10 million per year to underpin a long-term model for the sustainable delivery of applied grains research and development, in partnership with the Federal Government and other funding sources.
An additional $4 million investment in 2018-19 will provide a short-term grains R&D boost to ensure critical programs and capacity are continued.
Western Australia is a world leader in grains production and research but with accelerating competition from Black Sea and Argentinian producers, WA’s grain industry must continue to grow and boost its productivity.
The investment will be used to leverage co-investment from the Federal Government and other sources for:
- A new cropping systems research program;
- Genetics and crop protection projects;
- Grain product quality and market research; and
- Capacity building including university and private sector R&D grants.
WA is the biggest grain producer in Australia, exporting more than 85 per cent of its production. Even after a tough growing season in 2017-18, WA produced more than 14 million tonnes of the total Australian winter crop of 37 million – or 39 per cent.