Increasing science capacity in agriculture, food, fibre and resource management is the key objective of the integrated agricultural research institute being developed in Western Australia.

The Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Curtin and Murdoch Universities and the University of Western Australia have been working together for the past 14 months to establish the institute, which aims to strengthen the contribution of the agricultural sector to the State’s economy and community.

Institute steering committee chairman Wally Cox said the institute would align, integrate and increase research and training capacity, and enhance agricultural sciences as a career.

“The institute will also maximise the State’s ability to attract investment in research and training. It will also increase the State’s capability to benefit its research, teaching and training through the delivery of economic, environmental and social outcomes,” Dr Cox said.

Dr Cox said the institute model included provisions for centres of excellence to be established involving each of the partnering universities and Department offices and research stations across the State.

“The Department will also need to relocate into modern facilities at each university, which will include laboratories, glasshouses and offices,” Mr Cox said.

“Each centre will have a core research capability, for example grain legumes, horticulture, animal production and healthy landscapes, supported by related scientific, operational and administrative services.

“The development also provides an opportunity to integrate the Department and Murdoch University animal health laboratories, together with the Department’s animal biosecurity regulatory and policy sections. This will significantly strengthen the State’s ability to prepare for responding to emergency animal diseases.”

Dr Cox said that under the proposal about 500 scientific staff from the Department would relocate and join 200 researchers, technical and teaching staff from the universities as part of the centres of excellence and related activity areas.

“It is expected that the institute partners will make a final decision on the proposed model in November and that if in agreement, move to formally initiate the institute under a joint venture agreement in July 2005.

“Regional research and extension services currently delivered by the Department will be retained.”