A whole-of-system approach will be taken to rural research and development (R&D) investment, delegates at the ABARE Outlook conference heard in Canberra today.

The chair of the Australian Government’s Rural Research and Development Council, Dr Kate Grenot, said Australia’s National Strategic Rural R&D Investment plan will enhance Australia’s focus on farm sector-driven research, development and extension.

“The purpose of this plan is to improve the productivity, profitability, sustainability and global competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural, fisheries, forestry and food industries, with benefits for individual rural businesses, the environment and the wider community,” Dr Grenot said.

Also addressing Australia’s agricultural R&D needs was Professor Beth Woods of the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. She said that although international food insecurity may increase rapidly over the next 20 years, real agricultural R&D investment has declined in a range of nations including Australia.

Professor Woods also believes the number and quality of future researchers, and the need to refresh research infrastructure, are other shared concerns. “New funding from philanthropic sources for international R&D has been important in addressing research gaps and opportunities,” said Professor Woods.

“Australian industry needs to purposefully plan how it will access international R&D. The national R&D framework provides a forum to encourage this, as well as to plan how to maintain internationally competitive research quality.

“Building R&D links with the private sector, including global players, is also a priority.”
Deputy Secretary, Agriculture Research & Development, of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Dr Bruce Kefford, said that three strategies have already been endorsed by ministers, for pork, wine and dairy, demonstrating the progress to date of the National Primary Industries, Research, Development and Extension Framework.

“The primary industries research, development and extension system is evolving to meet contemporary needs,” said Dr Kefford.

Professor Kurt Lambeck, President of the Australian Academy of Science, said Australian agriculture was well-placed to deal with future challenges, but warned against complacency.