Australia
August 10, 20115

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and NSW Farmers will join forces in Moree next week to answer questions over the grains industry’s strategic research and development plan, marketing priorities and political representation requirements.

GRDC chairman Richard Clark, managing director John Harvey and northern panel chair James Clark will headline a special Grains Industry Forum being held at the Moree Town and Country Club on Monday August 17 between 12pm and 5pm.

The forum gives growers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with key players in the GRDC and NSW Farmers and have an input into the future direction of grains industry research and representation across New South Wales in a clear case of “one industry, two roles” according to James Clark.

“The GRDC is currently undergoing a significant reform process which is in keeping with our overarching strategy for research, development and extension (RD&E) in the northern region,” Mr Clark said.

“Put simply, the GRDC is looking to strengthen its interaction with growers through an increased presence in key regional centres as well as better aligning grower needs with short, medium and long term RD&E initiatives.

“The GRDC is primarily focussed on improving the productivity and profitability of northern grain operations, building research capacity and addressing succession planning within our research community and increasing GRDC’s presence within the key production areas of NSW and Queensland.

“But, the success of this is very dependent on industry buy-in and we welcome feedback and suggestions from levy payers as to the best way to keep it moving forward.”

The Grain Industry Forum will also feature a panel discussion on important grain production and marketing issues such as GTA Grain standards, national farmer representation, native vegetation policy, inland rail, the Grain Harvest Management Scheme and road access and permits for agricultural machinery and heavy vehicles.

NSW Farmers Association panellists include chair Daniel Cooper, deputy chair Rebecca Reardon, committee member Rob Eassie and policy director Justin Crosby.

General Manager NXZ Australia/Profarmer Nathan Cattle will wrap up the forum program with a presentation on tools growers can use to effectively manage price and selling risk.

For more information or to RSVP, contact the Member Service Centre on 1300 794 000 or visit the NSW Farmers website www.nswfarmers.org.au/grainsforum.

 

Website: http://www.grdc.com.au

Published: August 10, 2015