©2014 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISSN: 1447-2025 RIRDC Publication No. 14/035 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Level 2 15 National Circuit Barton ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 Kingston ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rirdc.gov.au Contents

Profile...... 5 Preface...... 7 RIRDC’s Corporate Plan 2012–2017...... 9 Corporate priorities...... 10 Budgets and KPIs...... 12 RIRDC's programs and initiatives...... 13 Australian Government research priorities...... 14 Allocation of RIRDC’s 2014–15 R&D expenditure to the Australian Government research priorities...... 14 Collaboration...... 16 Goal 1. Promote leadership and innovation in the rural sector...... 19 Goal 2. Increase profit and productivity in rural industries...... 23 Goal 3. Enhance sustainability across the rural sector...... 37 Appendices...... 44 A. Budget income and expenses for 2014–15...... 44 B. Strategic Research Priorities - Projects listed for 2014–15...... 46 C. Rural Research Priorities - Projects listed for 2014–15...... 55 D. Notification of significant events...... 64 E. Consultation with stakeholders ...... 64 F. Service charter...... 64 G. RIRDC Advisory Committees – Chairs ...... 66 H. List of abbreviations...... 67 I. Corporate Directory...... 69

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Profile

Purpose This Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Annual Operational Plan presents RIRDC’s planned research and development (R&D) investments and corporate expenditure in 2014–15.

Enabling legislation RIRDC’s enabling legislation is the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 (Commonwealth Government of Australia) (the PIRD Act 1989).

Responsible Ministers The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP Minister for Agriculture Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture

Outcome Increased knowledge that fosters sustainable, productive and profitable new and existing rural industries and furthers understanding of national rural issues through research and development in government-industry partnership.

Deliverables To maximise the knowledge outcomes for industry and government from our R&D investments in new and emerging industries, established rural industries, and national rural issues.

Key Performance Indicators RIRDC evaluates performance against the following: • Sector five year R&D plans are meeting their objectives to provide the knowledge: –– for diversification in Australia’s rural industries; –– increasing the profitability, resilience and sustainability of RIRDC’s established industries; –– to address national rural issues and to meet the needs of industry, community and Government. • Demonstrating high level of support from industry, government stakeholders and partners through regular stakeholder surveys and continuing investment and co-investment. • Implementation of a revised strategy of implementation of RIRDC’s knowledge investments: –– leading to adoption of new technologies and industries; –– adoption of knowledge to increase the profitability; –– resilience and sustainability of RIRDC’s established industries; and –– adoption of knowledge to address national rural issues is demonstrated by client surveys and program evaluations.

5 R&D Corporation Board

The RIRDC Board is accountable to the Parliament of Australia through the Minister for Agriculture.

The Board:

• Sets strategic direction and establishes policies for the Corporation. • Oversights operational and functional performance against budget and other key performance indicators on behalf of stakeholders. Chairperson Professor Daniela Stehlik Deputy Chair Dr Merilyn Sleigh Managing Director: Mr Craig Burns Non-Executive Directors: Mr Alex Campbell AM Ms Roseanne Healy Dr Len Stephens Mr Sam Archer Mr Michael Guerin Ms Alana Johnson

6 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Preface

This Annual Operational Plan (AOP) is the third within the timeframe of the Rural Industries R&D Corporation’s (RIRDC) 2012–2017 Corporate Plan. The development of this AOP comes during a period of tight budgeting pressures across all of Government and the Corporation’s planned activities for 2014–15 have been considered in this context. RIRDC will continue to look for ways to reduce the cost of administering its research, development and extension (RD&E) and to find efficiencies and minimise research duplication through collaboration and cost sharing with other research agencies and government departments. As it has in recent years, the Corporation will encourage developing industries that rely solely on RIRDC core funds to carry out R&D to look for ways to supplement this government funding, either through voluntary or compulsory levies or project partner investment. The significant benefit of introducing a levy for R&D is that the funds collected from industry will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Government, effectively doubling the funds available for R&D. Another benefit is that R&D programs can be better planned and managed with a more stable and predictable funding stream. During 2013–14 the Thoroughbred industry consulted industry about the possible introduction of a compulsory levy for R&D. This resulted in a voting poll of industry participants, with the outcome being majority industry support for the introduction of a compulsory R&D levy. Should the Thoroughbred R&D levy be approved by the Minister for Agriculture, it is expected this levy will be introduced during 2014–15. This AOP has been developed whilst several significant reviews are being undertaken within the agricultural sector. The largest and most comprehensive of these is the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, which the Australian Government commissioned to boost agriculture’s productivity and profitability. A taskforce has been established to prepare the White Paper and conduct consultations, with its release set for late 2014. The White Paper will identify pathways and approaches for growing farm profitability and boosting agriculture’s contribution to economic growth, trade, innovation and productivity. Another substantial review that involves the agricultural sector is the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia. It will explore ways to capitalise on northern Australia’s strengths, provide the best regulatory and economic environment for business and identify critical infrastructure for long-term growth, public and private planning and investment. The recommendations and policies that will flow from these White Papers will provide guidance to RIRDC’s RD&E priorities and future research collaborations. During 2013–14 RIRDC played a central role in planning for the establishment of a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) focussed on northern Australian agriculture. Considerable progress was made in developing the CRC’s research program framework and consulting with potential CRC partners. The bid will be submitted to the Commonwealth CRC program on 1 July 2014. If the bid is successful, the Northern Agriculture CRC will play a key role in bringing to life the Government’s plans to capitalise on the agricultural potential of northern Australia. In the event of the bid being successful, RIRDC intends to continue to be a central and active partner of the Northern Agriculture CRC during 2014–15 and beyond.

7 During 2014–15 RIRDC’s new comprehensive evaluation process will be implemented in its entirety, allowing the Corporation to better measure the impact of our R&D on those that should benefit from it. RIRDC’s evaluation framework will guide continuous internal improvement of the Corporation’s management, administration and delivery of RD&E programs. The evaluation framework is focussed on evaluating R&D delivery in a way that is simple, draws on the Corporation’s existing data gathering capabilities and is cost effective. An important farmer-focussed online resource will be operational in 2014-15 – www.farmdiversity.com.au is a website developed by RIRDC that will provide options for farmers looking to diversify their enterprise. Based on a simple postcode search, the website identifies crops or animals that could be grown or raised in a farmer’s region. The website is free, easy to use and will also be ‘mobile device friendly’. RIRDC will continue to host the secretariat of the Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CCRSPI) in 2014–15. Since taking over the secretariat in 2013–14, RIRDC has been working with CCRSPI partners to promote information sharing and collaboration. RIRDC will continue to look for ways to maximise the value of the CCRSPI partnership through collaborative activities. RIRDC continues to make good progress towards achieving what it has set out to achieve as part of RIRDC Corporate Plan 2012–2017. This AOP marks the mid-point of that corporate plan and in order to deliver what was set out in it significant changes to RIRDC’s processes, systems and principles were required. I can report that nearly all of these important changes have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. These changes to the way RIRDC operates will not only allow the Corporation to function more effectively and efficiently for the remaining years of the 2012–2017 Corporate Plan but also for many years after that plan has been superseded. Whether it is comprehensive and broad-reaching cross sectoral research or targeted small-scale industry-specific research, 2014–15 will be a year in which RIRDC continues to deliver useful RD&E outcomes to those that need it.

Craig Burns Managing Director Rural Industries R&D Corporation

8 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 RIRDC’s Corporate Plan 2012–2017

VISION Enhanced prosperity for Australian rural industries and their communities

PURPOSE To invest in research and development that is adopted and assists rural industries to be productive, profitable and sustainable

GOALS Promote leadership Increase profit Enhance and innovation and productivity sustainability in the rural sector in rural industries across the rural sector

STRATEGIES Deliver analysis on issues Manage demand driven Work collaboratively on of national importance to RD&E that meets industry cross sector issues that the rural sector and needs impact across industries broader community Facilitate investments Increase knowledge Assess the feasibility, that deliver economic about rural industry value and potential social and environmental options that offer regional competitiveness of new benefits for rural economic development plant and animal industry industries opportunities opportunities Adopt a life-cycle Encourage the sustainable Encourage research that approach to investment use and management of fosters science and in new, developing and natural resources industry creativity established industries Promote leadership, capacity, skills and pathways that create opportunities

OUTCOME Increased knowledge that fosters sustainable, productive new and existing rural industries and furthers understanding of national rural issues through research and development in government-industry partnership.

Table 1. RIRDC's 2012–2017 Corporate Plan - a summary

9 Corporate priorities

The investments described in this Annual Operational Plan represent the third year of commitments under the Rural Industries R&D Corporation’s 2012–2017 Corporate Plan. The Plan commits RIRDC to make investments which will achieve our vision of “Enhanced prosperity for Australian rural industries and their communities”. Increasing the profitability and productivity of rural industries and developing opportunities for regional economic growth from new and established rural industries are primary objectives of RIRDC. The Corporation is also responsible for undertaking RD&E into national rural issues and cross sectoral issues that impact all rural industries. RIRDC will work closely with our Australian Government, rural industry, other rural investor and research stakeholders to make investments which address stakeholder needs. RIRDC’s priorities for investment include: • Productivity growth is required to support rural industry profit and sustainability: Investment in RD&E is widely accepted as being vital to sustaining industry innovation and productivity growth. RIRDC will work with our industries through their five year RD&E plans to invest in RD&E that sustains and increases productivity growth. • Build evidence about emerging issues impacting on the rural sector: RIRDC is charged with undertaking research into national rural issues. The RIRDC National Rural issues (NRI) Program will continue to invest in leading research to build the evidence base for government and industry decision makers. • Ensure new industry (and innovation) potential is explored in a rigorous way and the knowledge is shared: The emergence of new industries or rural innovations creates opportunities for the rural sector. RIRDC will offer funding for feasibility studies into novel industries for Australia. • Apply a lifecycle approach to supporting rural industries: There are a number of stages in the development life of an industry or an innovation. RIRDC will apply clear criteria to its RD&E investments, in consultation with industries, which will ensure that the RD&E funded is appropriate to the development stage of an industry and the co-investment from an industry. • Collaborate to respond to cross-sector RD&E needs: There are a number of cross-sector RD&E needs which impact on the productivity and sustainability of all rural industries and the community. RIRDC will lead the Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries and the Primary Industries Health and Safety Partnership. • Support new industries: The regional context of the investments that RIRDC makes will be more strongly adopted to ensure the Corporation’s research is undertaken in a way which is catalytic to leveraging broader regional benefits. • Maintain and build rural research capacity: The rural sector faces strong competition to attract and retain researchers. The competition is even more acute for small rural industries and new developing industries. RIRDC will continue to build the research base through investment in its Horizon Scholarship program, PhD scholarships and collaboration in capacity building with other RDCs. • Invest in rural sector people: RIRDC will invest in a number of leadership, capacity and skills development programs. Our commitment to the Rural Women’s Award will continue during the year, along with support for the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and our sponsorship of ABC’s Heywire.

10 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 • Enhance the adoption of RD&E: RIRDC makes the results of all of its RD&E publicly available. Under this Plan, that foundation will be expanded to increase the accessibility of the Corporation’s RD&E results. Expanding RIRDC’s commitment to extension of the results of its RD&E in a format useful to end users will be a focus for 2014–15. RIRDC’s flagship initiative will be the development of a website – www.farmdiversity.com.au – which will promote new industry opportunities across Australia.

11 Budgets and KPIs

Table 2. RIRDC’s operating budget for 2014–15 2014–15 2013–14 Budget Budget ($ Million) ($ Million) Income Base Appropriation 9.4 11.3

Industry Levies 4.0 5.3

Commonwealth matching contribution 3.2 3.4

External contributions 2.3 2.3

Other 1.2 1.4

Total Income 20.1 23.7

Total Expenses 20.1 23.7

Operating Result 0.0 0.0

RIRDC’s budgeted income and expenses for 2014–15 is shown at Appendix 1.

Table 3. Key performance indicators – Portfolio Budget Statement (PBS)

Indicators 2014–15 Budget Target Improved delivery effectiveness including in access to the information provided to 90% industry, evidenced by new delivery mechanisms and stakeholder satisfaction with access. Level of satisfaction of stake-holders surveyed. Sector five year research and development plans are meeting their objectives. 85% Evaluate projects, programs and portfolios to show a strongly positive return on 3:1 investment. RIRDC's RD&E investments address the Government's National and Rural 95% Research Priorities, priorities of industry partners and optimises partnerships with other research agencies.

12 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 RIRDC's programs and initiatives

Goal 1: Goal 2: Goal 3: Promoting leadership Increase profit and Enhance sustainability and innovation in the productivity in rural across the rural sector rural sector industries

Programs Established Rural Cross Sector Initiatives Industries: • National Rural Issues • Climate Change Research • Chicken Meat Strategy for Primary • New Plant and Animal Industries (CCRSPI) Opportunities Feasibility • Fodder Crops • Primary Industries Health • Honeybee, including the and Safety Partnership Pollination Program • Bioenergy, Bioproducts and • Horses Energy • Pasture Seeds • Investing in People, • Rice including the Australian Rural Leadership (external) New and Developing Program and Heywire Rural Industries (external) • Essential Oils and Plant • Horizon Scholarship Extracts, including Kakadu plum; Myrtle rust • RIRDC Rural Women's Award • New and Developing Animal Products, • National Rural Research, including Buffalo; Deer; Development and Kangaroo; Fibre goat Extension Framework • New and Developing Plant • Hendra virus Products, including Cocoa; Coffee; Dates; Fibre; Green tea; Herbs and spices; Native legumes and grasses; Seaweed; Tropical fruits; Truffles; Quinoa; Teff; Native foods • Ginger • Tea tree • Wildflowers and native plants

13 Australian Government research priorities

The Australian Government provides an over-arching framework for public investment in rural research and development through setting strategic and rural research priorities. RIRDC is required to contribute to the achievement of those priorities. This section sets out those priorities and shows how RIRDC’s research and development expenditure for 2014–15 is aligned to the Government’s research priorities. The Strategic Research Priorities are: • Living in a changing environment • Promoting population health and wellbeing • Managing our food and water assets • Securing Australia’s place in a changing world • Lifting productivity and economic growth

The Rural Research and Development Priorities are: • Productivity and adding value • Supply chain and markets • Natural resource management • Climate variability and climate change • Biosecurity • Improve the skills to undertake research and apply its findings • Promote the development of new and existing technology

Allocation of RIRDC’s 2014–15 R&D expenditure to the Australian Government research priorities

Table 5. Rural Research Priorities – proposed expenditure for 2014–15 Rural Research Priorities Portfolio 1 Portfolio 2 Portfolio 3 Total Total ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) (%) 1. Productivity and adding value 263 8,142 936 9,341 61.45% 2. Supply chain and markets 236 679 110 1,025 6.74% 3. Natural resource management 0 187 0 187 1.23% 4. Climate variability and climate 101 214 968 1,283 8.44% change 5. Biosecurity 0 757 0 757 4.98% 6. Innovation skills 582 831 515 1,928 12.68% 7. Technology 153 374 152 679 4.47% Total 1,335 11,184 2,681 15,200 100.00%

14 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Table 6. Strategic Research Priorities– proposed expenditure for 2014–15 Strategic Research Priorities Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3 Total Total (%) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000)

Societal Challenge - Living in a changing environment 1.1: Identify vulnerabilities and boundaries to 0 0 0 0 0.00% the adaptability of changing natural and human systems 1.2: Manage risk and capture opportunities for 0 338 385 723 5.19% sustainable natural and human systems 1.3: Enable societal transformation to enhance 0 0 170 170 1.22% sustainability and wellbeing Societal Challenge – Promoting population health and wellbeing 2.1: Optimise effective delivery of health care 0 4 106 110 0.79% and related systems and services 2.2: Maximise social and economic 0 0 0 0 0.00% participation in society 2.3: Improve the health and wellbeing of 0 8 0 8 0.06% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Societal Challenge – Managing our food and water assets 3.1: Optimise food and fibre production using 0 6,001 0 6,001 43.06% our land and marine resources 3.2: Develop knowledge of the changing 0 0 0 0 0.00% distribution, connectivity, transformation and sustainable use of water in the Australian landscape 3.3: Maximise the effectiveness of the 28 161 0 189 1.36% production value chain from primary to processed food Societal Challenge – Securing Australia’s place in a changing world 4.1: Improve cybersecurity for all Australians 0 0 0 0 0.00% 4.2: Manage the flow of goods, information, 0 0 0 0 0.00% money and people across our national and international boundaries 4.3 : Understand political, cultural, economic 0 0 0 0 0.00% and technological change, particularly in our region Societal Challenge – Lifting productivity and economic growth 5.1: Identify the means by which Australia can 425 1,652 0 2,077 14.90% lift productivity and economic growth 5.2: Maximise Australia’s competitive 582 1,776 0 2,358 16.92% advantage in critical sectors 5.3: Deliver skills for the new economy 0 468 1,833 2,301 16.51% Total 1,035 10,408 2,494 13,937 100.00%

15 Collaboration

RIRDC understands the key to developing real and lasting solutions for rural industry is to take a shared approach to shared challenges. That is why RIRDC works in collaboration with a range of industry and government stakeholders to develop and implement research and development initiatives which impact across the agricultural sector. Under its Corporate Plan, RIRDC has strengthened its commitment to collaboration by specifically focussing on cross-sector and cross-regional approaches to addressing research needs. Adopting a collective approach to R&D not only results in greater resources for individual projects but also helps to achieve a shared commitment to nationally significant R&D. Collaboration is an efficient and effective strategy for solving many of the challenges facing the agriculture industry - examples include biosecurity, climate change and natural resource management, and capacity building. As part of its collaborative efforts, RIRDC will continue to participate, and lead where appropriate in strategies under the National RD&E Framework.

Examples of RIRDC collaborations across industries and the sector

What Who Aim

Climate Change Research A joint initiative of rural research and • To promote cross-sectoral strategy Strategy for Primary development corporations, state and development, coordination, Industries (CCRSPI) territory governments, the Australian collaboration in delivery, Government Department of Agriculture communication, and leadership of and the CSIRO climate change research, development and extension in primary industries.

Hendra virus research RIRDC Horses Program, Australian • To fund research consistent with the as part of the National Department of Agriculture, Australian goal of the National Hendra Virus Hendra Virus Research Department of Industry, Australian Research Program to minimise the Program Department of Environment impact of the Hendra virus.

Primary Industries Health RIRDC, Cotton Research and • To improve the physical and workplace and Safety Partnership Development Corporation, Sugar health and safety of workers and their Research Australia, Fisheries Research families in the primary industries across and Development Corporation, Grains Australia. Research and Development Corporation, Meat & Livestock, Australian Meat Processor Corporation Horizon Scholarship RIRDC, Cotton RDC, Grains RDC, • To support the next generation of Meat and Livestock Australia, Australian agriculture leaders who will take up the Egg Corporation Limited, Australian challenge of farming for the future. In Department of Agriculture, Australian partnership with industry sponsors the Pork Limited, Horticulture Australia goal of the Scholarship is to enhance the Limited, Australian Wool Innovation, future supply of graduates available for Sugar Research Australia, Australian employment in the rural sector. Grape and Wine Authority, Woolworths, Lallemand Animal Nutrition and McCaughey Memorial Institute Rural Women’s Award RIRDC, Australian Department of • To identify and support the capabilities Agriculture, Westpac Agribusiness, of emerging rural women leaders ABC Rural, Fairfax Agricultural Media, to increase their participation and RM Williams Outback Magazine, NT contribution to Australia’s primary Farmers and State Governments industries and rural communities.

ABARES Science and RIRDC, ABARES and other sponsors • To provide recognition to innovative Innovation Awards scientific projects that will contribute to for Young People in the ongoing success and sustainability Agriculture, Fisheries of Australia’s agricultural, fisheries and and Forestry forestry industries.

16 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 What Who Aim

National Animal Manure RIRDC Chicken Meat Program, • To co-ordinate a national research Management Program Australian Egg Corporation Limited, network under an agreed collaborative Australian Pork Limited, MLA, Dairy program that will estimate the Australia, Horticulture Australia and the agricultural greenhouse gas emissions Australian Government (GHG) abatement potential for various animal manure management systems.

Structural adjustment RIRDC, Regional Australia Institute • To review lessons and knowledge impacting rural gained from the impacts of structural communities adjustment processes and programs – including lessons, experiences and opportunities – in rural and regional Australia. ‘Food and Fibre’ Supply RIRDC, Australian Department • To understand medium and longer term Chains Study of key of Infrastructure and Regional opportunities for irrigated agriculture regions in Northern Development, The State of Queensland, across northern Australia and critical Australia The Northern Territory of Australia, and supply chain and infrastructure The State of Western Australia investment issues that may help to foster those opportunities. National Bioenergy RIRDC, Australian Bioenergy RD&E • To improve the coordination and RD&E Strategy Forum member agencies, Federal collaboration of primary industries and State Government departments, focused bioenergy RD&E nationally universities, relevant RDC’s, CSIRO, bioenergy industry

Myrtle Rust RIRDC, Plant Health Australia, • To provide technical advice to the Federal and State Government Myrtle Rust Transition Management departments, CRC for Plant Biodiversity, Group (MRTMG) on specific scientific Universities, Botanic Gardens, CSIRO, issues and to assist in developing Myrtle rust-affected industries techniques and strategies that minimise the impact of Myrtle Rust Pollination RD&E RIRDC Honeybee and Pollination • To secure the pollination of Australia’s Program and Horticulture Australia Ltd horticultural crops into the future on a sustainable and profitable basis New and Emerging RIRDC, Australian New Rural • To improve the coordination and Industries National RD&E Industries RD&E Forum – Federal and collaboration of new rural industries Strategy State departments, universities, CSIRO RD&E nationally and industries

Valuable behavioural RIRDC, Meat and Livestock Australia, • Use genomic technologies to develop a phenotypes in Australian Sydney University, working dog industry breeding program for working dogs to farm dogs (Working Kelpie Council) reduce the cost of wastage, and improve behavioural and health traits Biomass Producer website RIRDC, Australian Bioenergy • To develop a knowledge hub website RD&E Forum member agencies, to inform primary producers of Federal and State Government their opportunities in the bioenergy departments, universities, relevant supply chain. RDC’s, CSIRO, industry Poultry CRC RIRDC Chicken Meat Program; • The Poultry CRC’s major challenge is Australian Egg Corporation Limited to help Australia achieve sustainable, (AECL); Bioproperties Pty Ltd; CSIRO; ethical poultry production in the face of Department of Agriculture, Fisheries population growth and climate change. and Forestry Queensland; University of Melbourne; University of New England (UNE) Managing Climate RIRDC, Grains Research & • Helping Australian farmers to manage Variability Program Development Corporation, Meat & climate risk on-farm, providing them Livestock Australia, Sugar Research with practical tools to incorporate Australia climate information into farm business decisions.

17 Goal 1. Promote leadership and innovation in the rural sector

18 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Goal 1. Promote leadership and innovation in the rural sector

RIRDC is the rural research and development corporation with the mandate to invest in national rural issues. The Corporation’s focus will be to deliver high quality research relevant to the contemporary policy debate for use by policy and industry decision makers. New industries and rural innovation offer opportunities for profit and productivity growth, regional economic development and enterprise diversification. RIRDC will create the opportunity for proponents of new industries and innovations to test the feasibility of their idea, with the outcomes of each feasibility assessment to be shared publicly. RIRDC will also undertake feasibility studies of prospective industries it identifies through global and local scanning. RIRDC encourages a commitment by its portfolio industries and within its own programs towards funding for novel or highly innovative RD&E. This culture will assist to ensure the Corporation achieves a balanced investment portfolio of RD&E that responds to current needs and priorities, while also investing for the future. RIRDC will work to promote and enhance the accessibility of its knowledge resources about new opportunities to its government, industry and research stakeholders. Through its National Rural Issues research program, RIRDC will invest in RD&E with specific alignment to the three strategies of Goal 1. RIRDC is the lead R&D corporation for investment that addresses cross-sectoral national issues that impact on the competitiveness of all rural industries. These issues affect all rural industries and their communities and include trade policy, foreign investment, skills, resource competition and the urban/rural divide. • Goal 1 Strategies Deliver analysis on Assess the feasibility, Encourage research issues of national value and potential that fosters science and importance to the rural competitiveness of new industry creativity sector and broader plant and animal industry community. opportunities

19 GOAL 1 INVESTMENT BUDGET FOR 2014–15: $1,035,000

Deliverables Annual Target (or Measure) or Output

• Invest in research targeting current and emerging • Identify the factors that contribute to successful national rural issues to inform and improve policy entrepreneurship in Australian agriculture, debate by government and industry on issues relevant investigate how best to assess farm business to agricultural and rural policy in Australia. performance, and develop a framework for industries to prioritise applications for minor use permits for Agvet chemicals. • Undertake research that addresses impediments • Investigate the interactions between climate change, and opportunities to Australian agriculture that policy and food security; and the role of new have arisen as a result of the global economy, immigrants in contributing to productivity increases. including trade policy, agricultural productivity, and food security. • Enhance the global competitiveness of Australia’s • Complete analysis to reaffirm the importance of agricultural sector through initiatives such as the continued support for a free trade agenda; investigate modelling of the impacts of free trade agreements, any opportunities currently being missed due analysing the differences in agricultural productivity to existing policies on geographical indicators; growth between Australia and its competitors, and progress investigations into the best ways of comparing the competitiveness of Australian comparing Australia’s competitiveness. agriculture with its competitors and reaffirming the benefits of supporting a free trade agenda. • Support Australia’s negotiations in multilateral trade • Investigate the impacts of export subsidies on global agreements through the analysis of challenging issues agricultural trade and review the technical barriers to such as tariff quotas and special safeguards. the trade of Australian agricultural commodities. • Introduction of foresighting studies to identify • Publish a report which focusses on future rural new and emerging issues likely to impact on future industries in Australia and host the final session of productivity and competitiveness of rural industries. ABARES Outlook 2015. • Invest in animal and plant industries which are • The feasibility and opportunities for Peruvian purple new to Australia and have the potential to boost corn in Australia will be investigated. productivity, offer diversification options to • Additional feasibility studies will be undertaken on farmers and expand domestic and export market new products as they emerge during the year. opportunities. • Develop a consortium to support a bid for a new • The ‘AgNorth CRC’,if successful, will bring together Cooperative Research Centre for northern Australia private and public partners in a 10 year partnership which is targeted at premium food and agricultural to collaborate to build profitable and sustainable new produce which can grow export markets into Asia. agricultural enterprises in northern Australia, with a focus on supply chains and markets to Asia.

20 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Goal 1: Investment by Program

Research Program: NATIONAL RURAL ISSUES Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To inform and improve policy debate by government $1,035,000 Core RIRDC funding and industry on national and global issues relevant to agricultural and rural policy in Australia by targeting current and emerging rural issues, and produce quality work that will inform policy in the long term.

Research Projects New Contracting in 2014-15 Understanding Australian agriculture’s labour force makeup and future needs

Contracting in 2014-15 Assessing the competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural sector and its major competitors Contracting in 2014-15 Understanding the impacts of export subsidies on global agricultural trade

Contracting in 2014-15 Defining the impacts of technical trade barriers on Australian agriculture Continuing PRJ-009265 Entrepreneurship in Australian agriculture: a scoping study PRJ-007578 New immigrants improving productivity in Australian agriculture PRJ-009251 The potential benefits for Australian agriculture of a domestic food GI regime Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-009337 Understanding Australian farm business performance PRJ-006579 Climate change, trade policies and food security: implications for Australia PRJ-009235 Benchmarking energy use on farm PRJ-009437 Improved access to Agvet chemicals for agricultural industries PRJ-009378 Feasibility and opportunities for Peruvian purple corn in Australia

21 Goal 2. Increase profit and productivity in rural industries

22 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Goal 2. Increase profit and productivity in rural industries

The productivity of rural industries is RIRDC’s core business. The Corporation will work with its portfolio industries to invest in their priority RD&E needs. RIRDC will foster strong relationships with industry partners to ensure RD&E investment leads to practical knowledge and innovation which can be adopted by industry members. The Corporation will continue to work closely with its industry levy stakeholders from the rice, chicken meat, honeybee and small animal industries to deliver outcomes through RD&E which advance their industries. Where there are RD&E needs that impact on multiple industries, such as biosecurity, minor chemical use permits, capacity building and health and safety, RIRDC will work in collaboration with its own industries and other research and development corporations (RDCs) to address shared research priorities. RIRDC applies a life-cycle approach to its RD&E investments for new, developing and established industries. These investment decisions acknowledge the maturity and development stage of each of the industries within the RIRDC portfolio. Only RD&E appropriate to the development stage of an industry within the life-cycle will be undertaken. The life-cycle also encourages industry co- investment into its RD&E needs. The participation of industries in addressing broader economic, environmental and social impacts on productivity is facilitated and where appropriate multi-industry responses are supported. Thoroughbred Breeders Australia has lodged an application to introduce a national R&D levy matched by government funds. If the application is successful the Corporation will work closely with the industry to develop a new RD&E program.

• Goal 2 Strategies

Manage demand driven Facilitate investment Adopt a life-cycle RD&E that meets industry that delivers economic approach to investment needs social and environmental in new, developing and benefits for rural established industries industries

23 GOAL 2 INVESTMENT BUDGET FOR 2014–15: $10,408,000

Deliverables Annual Target (or Measure) or Output

• Implement the New Animal Industries RD&E • 2014-15 is the first year of implementation of the new Five Year Plan, and conduct RD&E for new and Five Year Plan and research proposals will be sought and developing animal industries that contribute to contracted during the year against the priorities of the the profitability, sustainability and productivity of Plan. regional Australia. • Continue breeding program for working dogs using • Identification of desirable behavioural and health genomic technologies to reduce the cost of wastage, phenotypes in Australian working dogs will be and improve behavioural and health traits. undertaken, and a breeding plan which shares the insights from the research will be made available for breeders to use to reduce wastage in the industry. • Evaluate strategies for improving the welfare of • Science-based review of the key factors affecting chickens during grow-out and transportation. meat chicken welfare completed, and strategies developed for improving the welfare of chickens during transportation. • Review measures that can be taken which reduce • A critical review will be prepared for the industry which biosecurity risks posed by wild birds to meat chickens. will assist in industry planning measures that minimise potential spill-overs of avian influenza (and other avian diseases) from wild birds to commercial flocks. • Determine the viability of a net energy system of feed • Validation of laboratory-based net energy prediction formulation for meat chickens. equations in feeding evaluations, including at a commercial level, to inform feed formulation on a net energy basis.

• Optimise whole grain feeding strategies for improved • Development of more effective whole grain feeding performance of meat chicken production. strategies, after gaining a better appreciation of how whole grain feeding drives improvements in efficiency of feed conversion and energy utilisation. • Evaluate a new technology for diagnosing important • Expansion of the suite of low-cost, sensitive and specific poultry disease agents. tests for the detection of key poultry pathogens, thereby facilitating early intervention.

• Invest to resolve the identity of the key factors • Definition of the role of at least one key nutritional factor that impact on sorghum starch digestibility for that may be responsible for reducing sorghum starch meat chickens. digestibility, thereby contributing to the inconsistent or sub-optimal performance of flocks on sorghum-based broiler diets.

• Improve the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program • Continue with a modified National Bee Pest Surveillance to increase the likelihood of intercepting an incursion Program to assist in reducing the likelihood of exotic bee of Asian honey bees that could harm the Australian pests and pest bees becoming established in Australia. beekeeping industry and industries reliant on honeybees. • Complete a national survey of pathogens in • Results of national survey of pathogens in Australian Australian honeybees to assist the re-opening of honeybee will be made available for use in market access export markets for live bees; development of a code negotiations. of practice that will specify best practice disease and • A code of practice for the honeybee industry will be pest management; and release a website known as released which specifies best practice disease and pest ‘BeeAware’. management. • The ‘BeeAware’ website available as an authoritative source of material about Varroa mite, for use by beekeepers and pollinator-reliant industries. • Increase productivity and profits for the ginger • Development of best practice supply chain management industry by investment in best practice supply chain information for the Australian ginger industry to deliver management information. improved product quality.

24 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Deliverables Annual Target (or Measure) or Output

• Continue to work with the Thoroughbred horse • A vaccine to prevent Rhodococcus equi infections is industry in the expectation of the introduction of successful in trials on mice as the next step toward an R&D levy and conclude research including into commercialisation. an adenoviral vector vaccine, macrocyclic lactone • Assessment of how to reduce worm populations in horses resistance and injury prevention in young racehorses. that are resistant to macrocyclic lactone products. • Assessment of the future athletic performance of critically ill Thoroughbreds foals. • A more accurate diagnosis of inflammatory airway disease in racehorses.

• Determine the safety and efficacy of essential oils • Determine the efficacy of tea tree oil as a treatment for and plant extracts for cosmetic and animal health acne. end uses. • Investigate dermal penetration of tea tree products. • Develop nano-encapsulation of a native plant extract to test for efficacy of an animal health application. • Determine key agronomic parameters for new, • Varietal improvement and new product development for developing and maturing plant-based industries the tea tree oil, wildflower, eucalyptus, lemon myrtle, (e.g. integrated pest management, varietal selection, Centipeda and coffee industries. biosecurity management, irrigation scheduling, • Agronomic parameters developed and documented for nutritional requirements etc.). Platysace, Centipeda, wildflower and truffle industries. • Integrated pest management and biosecurity plans developed for the tea tree oil and truffle industries. • Release a guide which shows the important agronomic characteristics to consider when producing teff. • Release a guide on how to improve native grass germination. • Productivity of dates will be increased through work on pollination. • Wild Australian rice will be characterised. • The potential of quinoa as a significant new broadacre crop in Australia will be progressed through providing new growers with access to advice on best management practice; and developing commercial varieties suitable for Australian broad acre production. • A closed production system and germplasm for ornamental native ginger flowers will be made available to growers.

• Establish two genetic orchards of Kakadu Plum to • Establishment of two genetic orchards to underpin enable assessment of variability across a northern knowledge of variation within the Kakadu Plum Australian collection. population. • Demonstration sites established and training materials developed for remote/rural communities interested in growing the Kakadu Plum industry. • Monitoring of quality and bioactivity of a Kakadu Plum processing facility in northern Australia.

25 Deliverables Annual Target (or Measure) or Output

• Support the increased productivity and sustainability • Review of the alternative uses of rice straw. of the rice industry through development of more • Determine the social factors that will influence the rates profitable varieties of rice, researching solutions to of adoption of R&D. pests and diseases, implementing precision agriculture methods, examining the development • Evaluation of growth regulators. and feasibility of new products like biodegradable • Modernising rice data collection systems. polymer sheeting, and investigating the potential of • Determining rice greenhouse gas emissions and rice production in the Ord. soil carbon. • Review optimal sowing rates and resulting row spacing for maximum yield and water use efficiency of rice. • Investigate how to improve rotational crop establishment options following rice. • Assess rice yield variability in the Australian rice industry in order to develop rice industry precision agriculture best management practices. • Trials to determine profitable rice options for the Ord district. • Deliver best herbicide use summaries and presenting at associated field days. • Farmer meetings will be held to encourage the accurate use of NIR tissue test services. • Provision of information through field days and presentations about chemicals for snail control, best herbicide use, and investigations into rice blast races present in Australia. • Molecular markers, protein profiles and germplasm will be developed to deliver new varieties of rice. • A trial site will continue to be assessed to determine the benefits of degradable polymer film use in a rice system. • Determine the feasibility of the use of microwave technology to manage weeds in a rice farming system. • A PhD project to determine value adding opportunities for a rice processing by-product.

• Support the increased productivity and sustainability • A field day for growers to demonstrate the results of the of the pasture seeds industry through development Lucerne variety and fertiliser seed production trials. of new varieties, working with the Australian Seeds • Lucerne Australia to deliver a conference and workshops Federation to implement Best Practice Guidelines, around dodder detection, and deliver articles on current to partner with the Pasture Renewal Initiative, and R&D results. to continue to trial the effectiveness of fertilizers and • Participation in the Pasture Renewal Initiative to varieties. increase the R&D information delivery channels to increase productivity and size of the domestic market seed throughput by provision of information on the value of pasture renewal. • Assist the Australian Seeds Federation in creating a set of best practice guidelines for the management of adventitious presence in Lucerne and increasing the adoption and use of certified seed.

• Increase productivity in fodder through improved • Development of new oaten hay and vetch varieties for oaten hay and vetch varieties for hay and silage. hay and silage production. • Increase productivity through investment in the • Development of native plant extracts as natural New and Developing Plant Industries by supporting preservatives and functional food ingredients in cross product development for plant extracts to be used in industry applications. the cosmetic industry, gluten and allergen free foods, • Investigation of the potential for carob as a health exotic tropical fruit, and crop diversification options ingredient in food manufacturing. for farmers. Some industries that will be supported are guar, quinoa, native grasses, dates, wild rice, truffles, hazelnuts, carob, coffee and teff.

26 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Goal 2: Investment by Program

Research Program: ANIMAL INDUSTRIES Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources To conduct RD&E for new and developing animal $847,000 Core RIRDC funding, industries that contributes to the profitability, industry levy, voluntary sustainability and productivity of regional Australia. contributions

Research Projects New PRJ-009388 Eliminate factors inhibiting redclaw farming from reaching its full potential PRJ-009413 Scoping study for genetic evaluation and improvement of Australian dairy goats PRJ-009427 Development of innovative tools for the detection and control of CAE virus PRJ-009441 Developing appropriate stunning methods for halal slaughter of water buffalo PRJ-009469 Method of castration in alpacas Continuing PRJ-008527 Factors impacting Australian Alpaca meat and methods to improve quality PRJ-008536 Boosting redclaw industry productivity with improved nutrition and feed management Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-003781 Marron production enhancement PRJ-005085 Developing an effective diluent for transport of rabbit semen PRJ-005157 Development of a polychaete worm aquaculture industry in South Australia PRJ-005355 Molecular selection tools for the Australian crocodile industry PRJ-005806 Optimising mulloway farming through better feed and hatchery practices PRJ-006417 Developing assisted reproductive technologies in camelids, especially the Alpaca PRJ-007806 Valuable behavioural phenotypes in Australian farm dogs PRJ-008834 Alpaca immunoglobulins phase 2 PRJ-008897 Genetic improvements in Australian water buffalo (xtn PRJ-634) PRJ-009512 Indigenous Pastoral Project evaluation component

27 Research Program: CHICKEN MEAT Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Source Stimulate and promote R&D that will deliver a $2,600,000 Industry levy productive and sustainable Australian chicken meat industry that provides quality wholesome food to the nation.

Research Projects New PRJ-009075 Post-hatch management for improved broiler locomotion PRJ-009099 Whole grain feeding for chicken meat production PRJ-009120 Electrolyte supplementation of broilers prior to transport PRJ-009184 A review: Understanding the many factors that contribute to wet litter PRJ-009194 Deterrence of waterfowl from waterbodies: a critical review PRJ-009359 Assessing broiler breeder feed regimens Continuing PRJ-005621 Poultry CRC PRJ-007382 Robert A Swick, UNE Poultry Research Hub PRJ-008476 Co funding for executive function strategy Committee for NAWRD&E Strategy PRJ-008582 Enhancement of NIR calibrations for broiler chicken AME PRJ-008616 Opportunities to improve broiler locomotory ability PRJ-008714 Loop-mediated isothermal amplification tests to detect poultry pathogens PRJ-008695 The factors influencing sorghum starch digestibility in broiler chickens PRJ-008722 Dietary manipulation of nutrient-specific appetite in broiler chickens PRJ-008792 Controlling virulent ILTV field recombinants using vaccination PRJ-008899 Assessment of factors influencing behaviour and welfare of birds in free range systems PRJ-009570 Increasing renewable energy generation through embedded hybrid energy precincts Due for completion 2014–15

PRJ-006238 Campylobacter dynamics in free-range & conventional farming systems PRJ-007583 Available and retainable phosphorus of feedstuffs for broilers PRJ-008152 Co-funding contribution National Welfare RD&E Capacity Building Project PRJ-007650 Optimization of Australian Protein Meals PRJ-008485 APL National Agricultural manure management program (NAMMP) PRJ-008778 Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships – Guy Hebblewhite PRJ-009533 Review of evidence to underpin development of Welfare Standards and Guidelines

28 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Research Program: GINGER Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources To provide RD&E to support a sustainable, growing $170,000 Industry levy and prosperous ginger industry supplying product of the highest quality that is strongly sought-after by discerning consumers in Australia and around the world

Research Projects New PRJ-008308 Improved tissue culture production of ginger clean planting material PRJ-009666 Best practice supply chain management information for the ginger industry PRJ-009665 Global ginger market assessment for opportunities for Australian ginger producer PRJ-009664 Health benefits of fresh and processed Australian ginger: a review of peer-reviewed scientific literature Contracting in 2014-15 Induced Pythium resistance in ginger Continuing PRJ-008532 Improving soil health to suppress soilborne diseases of ginger Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-008410 Assessment of Pythium diversity in ginger PRJ-008964 Extension, education and communication of R&D for the Australian ginger industry

PRJ-008962 Technical support, extension and minor use development for the ginger Industry

29 Research Program: HONEYBEE AND POLLINATION Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources Support RD&E that will secure a productive, $725,000 Industry levy and industry sustainable and more profitable Australian beekeeping voluntary contributions industry and secure the pollination of Australia’s horticultural and agricultural crops.

Research Projects New PRJ-009055 Chemical residue in beehives post canola flowering PRJ-009334 External attractant trap for Small Hive Beetle PRJ-009276 Genetic Evaluation of Australian Honeybees using BLUP procedures Contracting in 2014-15 Active Australian Leptospermum honey: new sources and their bioactivity Contracting in 2014-15 Compatibility of management objectives on public lands with beekeeping Continuing PRJ-008711 National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (2013-15) and facilitator PRJ-007774 A test of Africanization in imported semenindustry PRJ-007765 A pheromone trap to catch queen bees PRJ-008631 Production of videos on best practice for the beekeeping industry Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-007664 Update and reprint of the book Beekeeping PRJ-009538 Development of a Code of Practice and National Bee Biosecurity Program PRJ-009415 International Union for the Study of Social Insectsindustry PRJ-008429 T2M Develop an attractant specific to A cerana Java strainindustry PRJ-008540 Upgrading knowledge on pathogens (particularly viruses) of Australian honeybees PRJ-008701 Development of an Australian Bee Health and Management website PRJ-008578 Communication for the Pollination Program 2013-15

Research Program: HORSE Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

For the Australian horse industry to be nationally and $201,000 Voluntary industry internationally recognised for its excellence as a reputable contributions user and supplier of quality horses, products and services; and for the industry to expand in the global market by having the requisite skills and knowledge for efficient, profitable and sustainable production.

Research Projects Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-004862 An adenoviral vector vaccine against Rhodococcus equi PRJ-008135 Macrocyclic lactone resistance in Australian horses PRJ-006508 Working towards a more accurate diagnosis of inflammatory airway disease PRJ-000726 Short term and future athletic performance of critically ill equine neonate

30 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Research Program: PLANT INDUSTRIES Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To facilitate the development of new rural industries $1,022,000 RIRDC core funding based on plants or plant products that have commercial and industry voluntary potential for Australia contributions

Research Projects New PRJ-009422 Truffle growers guide PRJ-009387 Truffle biosecurity plan PRJ-009407 New coffee varieties for the Australian sub tropics PRJ-009450 Expanding the Australian coffee industry’s genetic resource foundation PRJ-009593 Increasing the shelf life in Australian black truffles PRJ-009594 Lemon and anise myrtle: Unique functional ingredients in cross industry applications PRJ-009588 Monitoring quality and bioactivity of Kakadu plum in the Northern Territory Contracting in 2014-15 Scholarship – Native food ingredient applications Contracting in 2014-15 Continuation of developing quinoa for broadacre production Continuing PRJ-007831 Utilisation of carob in healthy foods for a new rural manufacturing industry PRJ-005158 Development of the Kakadu Plum Industry in Northern Australia PRJ-009369 Minor use for developing plant industries PRJ-009603 Capacity building in developing plant industries PRJ-008078 Optimising pollination of dates (Phoenix dactylifera) PRJ-007778 Australian wild rice characterisation Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-006673 Identification of desirable coffee secondary metabolites PRJ-008380 Developing a small native vegetable industry based on Platysace deflexa PRJ-007907 Agronomic evaluation of Teff in Tasmania PRJ-003853 Broad scale implementation of native grass germination enhancement technologies PRJ-006635 Investigating a closed production system for ornamental ginger production

31 Research Program: PLANT INDUSTRIES (continued) Sub-program: WILDFLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To manage investment in R&D by the wildflower $151,000 RIRDC core funding and native plants industry and government to build: a and industry voluntary profitable industry through more efficient production contributions methods, a strong reputation as a supplier of improved, new and innovative products, expanded domestic and export market opportunities and the sustainable use of land and water resources

Research Projects New PRJ-009045 Capacity building and communications for the wildflower industry: Stage 2 PRJ-009598 Somatic Embryogenesis of Corymbia ficifolia and hybrids PRJ-009599 Somatic fusion within the Chamelaucium alliance: stage 2 PRJ-009600 Insect disinfestation treatments for cut flowers - literature review Continuing PRJ-008850 Somatic fusion within the Haemodoraceae Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-008061 Defining leaf analysis as a strategy for effective nutrition management PRJ-009448 Evaluation of R&D investment in the wildflowers and native plants program

Research Program: PLANT INDUSTRIES (continued) Sub-program: ESSENTIAL OILS AND PLANT EXTRACTS Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To provide the knowledge and skills base for the industry $ 191,000 RIRDC core funding to provide high, consistent and known qualities in their and industry voluntary essential oils and plant extracts products that respond to contributions market opportunities and enhance profitability

Research Projects New PRJ-009205 Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Review, Investment Case and Five Year Plan PRJ-009606 Encapsulation of native plant extracts for animal health applications PRJ-009613 Native plant extracts for extended shelf life in corn Continuing PRJ-008858 Newsletter for the Essential Oil Producers' Association of Australia PRJ-009614 Agronomic and extraction parameters for Centipeda (Part 2) PRJ-008960 Eucalyptus breeding and modelling (Scholarship) PRJ-009624 CRC Myrtle rust scholarship (Lemon Myrtle) PRJ-009250 Myrtle Rust Scholarship (Wildflowers) Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-007524 Discovery of genetic resistance markers to Myrtle rust in Myrtaceae PRJ-008883 Myrtle Rust screening in lemon myrtle provenance plantings (Pt 2)

32 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Research Program: PLANT INDUSTRIES (continued) Sub-program: TEA TREE OIL Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To support the continued development of a profitable, $415,000 RIRDC core funding productive and environmentally sustainable Australian and industry voluntary tea tree oil industry that has established international contributions leadership in marketing, value adding, product reliability and production.

Research Projects New PRJ-009615 Dermal penetration of tea tree oil PRJ-009616 Improved tea tree plants for yield, growth and resilience using molecular genetics PRJ-009617 Developing elite tea tree clones and seed for improvements in productivity and profit PRJ-009620 Tea tree oil – communication of RD&E (2) Continuing PRJ-008456 Using tea tree residues & legumes to develop a low-emission tea tree industry PRJ-008670 Biology, epidemiology and management of Elsinoe leaf spot in tea tree Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-006245 In vitro activity and clinical efficacy of tea tree oil products against acne PRJ-008881 Integrated pest disease management in Tea Tree Oil – monitoring and extension

Research Program: PLANT INDUSTRIES (continued) Sub-program: FODDER CROPS Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To stimulate and promote those R&D efforts that will $ 362,000 RIRDC core funding produce quality fodder products and secure sustainability and industry voluntary and profitability for all sectors of the Australian fodder contributions industry value chain in domestic and export markets.

Research Projects New Contracting in 2014-15 New Common and Woolly pod vetch varieties for grain and hay/silage Continuing PRJ-007615 Improved oat varieties for hay production: national program IV Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-008975 Future proofing fodder quality analysis for Australia

33 Research Program: PASTURE SEEDS Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To invest in prioritised research, development and $224,000 Industry levy extension (RD&E) that maximises the opportunities and minimise the risks for a profitable and environmentally sustainable temperate pasture seed industry, and that creates a domestic and global demand from this reputation.

Research Projects New Contracting in 2014-15 Linkage with the Pasture Renewal Initiative Contracting in 2014-15 Best Practice Guidelines for the management of adventitious presence in Lucerne Contracting in 2014-15 Increasing the adoption and use of certified seed Continuing PRJ-006081 Evaluating different fertilisers in Lucerne seed production PRJ-008515 Lucerne Australia Communication and Adoption Project Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-008404 Development of molecular markers for cultivar identification PRJ-005348 Drop tube irrigated Lucerne seed, herbage yield and plant persistence evaluation

34 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Research Program: RICE Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To improve the productivity and sustainability of the $3,500,000 Industry levy Australian rice industry through the organisation, funding and management of a research, development and extension program that is aligned with industry reality and stakeholder needs.

Research Projects New PRJ-009170 Alternative management of rice straw PRJ-009181 Social factors influencing technology adoption in the rice industry PRJ-009197 Growth regulator evaluation in Australian rice crops PRJ-009224 Improving rotational crop establishment options following rice PRJ-009271 Developing and testing tools for measuring and managing variability in the RICE Continuing PRJ-008173 Assess degradable polymer film use in early planting of aerobic rice varieties PRJ-008568 Developing superior aromatic rice germplasm for Australia PRJ-008686 Modernising rice data collection PRJ-008764 Influence of plant population on rice growth and grain yield PRJ-008720 Development of rice bran protein hydrolysate-based bioactive products PRJ-008483 Implementing precision agriculture in the Australian rice industry PRJ-008565 Characterisation of rice blast races present in Australia PRJ-007580 Cold tolerant traits and QTLs for improved efficiency of rice breeding program PRJ-008765 A study of microwave-based weed management in the rice industry PRJ-008768 Defining the link between rice grain protein profiles and rice grain quality PRJ-008574 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building soil carbon in the rice industry Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-007497 Agronomic options for profitable rice-based farming system in northern Australia PRJ-007256 Rice Research Partnership (Rice Varietal Improvement) PRJ-007477 Rice NIR & remote sensing PRJ-007773 Improving pest and disease biosecurity in the Australian rice industry PRJ-007953 Australian rice weed management

35 Goal 3. Enhance sustainability across the rural sector

36 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Goal 3. Enhance sustainability across the rural sector

RIRDC will participate and lead (where appropriate) in collaborative investment to address cross-sector RD&E needs. RIRDC will work proactively with other rural RD&E investors and providers to address shared RD&E priorities. Cross-sector issues are best addressed through building shared understanding and collaboration among policy makers, research investors, research providers and rural industries. RIRDC will work with federal and state government agencies, universities, CSIRO and other RDCs on the development and implementation of cross-sector strategies. RIRDC’s portfolio industries are encouraged to address natural resource management issues that they have identified as being of the highest importance to them from a productivity and sustainability perspective. RIRDC will continue to make RD&E investments to assist the rural sector to manage for our variable climate. Where appropriate, RIRDC will participate in collaboration and lead investment in rural sector natural resource and climate issues. RIRDC will invest in the following activities which align with the four strategies of Goal 3: • Investing in People • Primary Industries Health and Safety Partnership • Bioenergy, Bioproducts and Energy • Extension and evaluation of the Indigenous Pastoral Project manual • Hendra virus • Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries RIRDC will also invest in other cross sectoral activities where appropriate, such as the Managing Climate Variability Program. A major initiative for the Corporation in 2014-15 will be its continued leadership of a proposal for a new Cooperative Research Centre for agricultural development in northern Australia. This proposal is supported by the Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland State Governments, CSIRO, RIRDC and the northern universities and will attract significant private sector investment. The bid must be submitted to the Commonwealth early in 2014–15 and if it is successful the CRC will commence operations on 1 July 2015. RIRDC will continue to participate, and lead where appropriate in strategies under the National RD&E Framework. RIRDC hosts the secretariats for the Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries and the Bioenergy Strategy. Skills, leadership and capacity remain important commitments for RIRDC. The Rural Women's Award provides capacity building and networking opportunities to rural women. The RIRDC Horizon Scholarship program, which assists young people to transition to university, will grow by an additional sixteen scholars and RIRDC will continue to support the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Heywire youth program. The purpose of Heywire is to give young rural and regional people the skills to be heard, not just on the ABC, but also in their communities and nationwide, and it is open to young people aged 16 to 22. RIRDC also continues to support the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) Rural Leaders Program which supports established leaders in rural Australia.

37 • Goal 3 Strategies Work collaboratively Increase knowledge Encourage the Promote leadership, on cross sector issue about rural industry sustainable use and capacity, skills and that impact across options that offer management of natural pathways that create industries regional development resources opportunities economic opportunities

GOAL 3 INVESTMENT BUDGET FOR 2014–15: $2,494,000

Deliverables Annual Target (or Measure) or Output Complete regional scale projects that focus on • Completion of existing wet tropics and north west productivity, competitiveness and structural change Tasmania projects and new Riverina study. issues as they impact on rural industries and their supporting communities. Completion of existing wet tropics and north west Tasmania projects and new Riverina study. Support roll-out of the step-by-step framework, • Manual available on RIRDC and FutureBeef websites ‘Managing Indigenous Pastoral Lands’, across and will be delivered on the ground by extension northern Australia. officers in NT, WA and Qld. industry to determine rust resistant material Maintain and add further case studies to “Biomass • Biomass Producer website content updated to Producer”, the new communications and extension reflect new information for farmers on bioenergy initiative for the farming community to raise their production. Relevant and informative case studies awareness about the risks and opportunities of published to provide primary producers with ‘real-life’ feedstock production for bioenergy. examples of incorporating bioenergy production into their enterprises. Support Horizon Scholarships in 2014 with sponsors • Graduation of the first intake of Horizon Scholars from research and development corporations (RDCs), and recruitment of new Scholars. government and the private sector. Sponsor Course 21 of the Australian Rural • Graduation of the 20th RIRDC-sponsored Leadership Program and ABC Heywire 2014. Australian Rural Leadership Program course participant. Deliver the 2014 Australian RIRDC Rural Women's • Announcement of the 2014 RIRDC Rural Award, seek applicants for the 2015 Award and Women’s Award National Winner and maintain the Award’s Alumni network. Runner-Up. • Announcement of 2015 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award State Winners. Complete RD&E investments made under the • Reporting finalised for the Dynamic Rural Dynamic Rural Communities Research and Communities Research and Development Development (R&D) Plan, 2009–14, which address (R&D) Plan. transformation of rural communities. Invest in RD&E to drive sustainable improvements to • Map of the health and safety risks of those work health and safety outcomes for all those working industries participating in the Primary Industries in the primary industries, including agriculture, Health and Safety Partnership. fishing and forestry. • Synthesis of existing research from the last 17 years of the Partnership into a meaningful summary. • Identification of the barriers to adoption of improved workplace practices in terms of health and safety. • Define the responsibilities of employers and employees under the new harmonised Work Health and Safety legislation.

38 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Deliverables Annual Target (or Measure) or Output Continue implementation of the RD&E Strategies • Co-ordination and communication between for Climate Change, New and Emerging Industries, parties that ensure an effective and targeted Biofuels and Bioenergy and Chicken meat. approach to research in these areas. • Investments in capacity building made in line with the National Poultry RD&E Strategy.

Promote collaboration on climate research through • Activities, including annual Partner Forum, the Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary conducted that promote communication Industries and support more accurate climate forecasts and collaboration across partner organisations through the Managing Climate Variability program. on climate change research and development. Publish guidelines and provide other tools to help • Guidelines, case studies and an excel-based tool meat chicken producers evaluate the commercial made available to help chicken growers to assess viability of a solar installation on their farm. the viability of solar installations on their farm. Manage the National Hendra Virus Research • Models to predict Hendra virus prevalence in Program on behalf of the Australian, New South flying-fox populations. Wales and Queensland Governments and the horse industry: models to predict Hendra virus prevalence • A national flying-fox monitoring program. in flying-fox populations; a national flying-fox • Techniques for early detection, improved monitoring program; techniques for early detection diagnostics and therapeutics for Hendra virus and improved diagnostics and therapeutics for Hendra infections in horses virus infections in horses; and recommendations to authorities to support decisions to reduce the risk of • Recommendations to authorities to support Hendra virus transmission to horses and humans. decisions to reduce the risk of Hendra virus transmission to horses and humans. Complete research to identify an effective response to • Minor use permits obtained for chemical myrtle rust for the native foods, tea tree oil, essential treatments of myrtle rust for the native food oils, plant extracts and wildflowers industries. industry. • Myrtle rust resistance integrated into tea tree and lemon myrtle breeding trials with preliminary investigations into rust resistance for the Australian wildflower. Continue to support research into on ground risk • Results of the evaluation of research on trellising, mitigation measures that will assist farmers to plant species and defoliants that will improve the withstand cyclonic winds. capacity of industries to withstand cyclonic winds at field days. RIRDC is supporting the development of a rice • A coordinated extension network distributing rice extension network. research and development results that involves public and private extension specialists will be in place and tested by the industry for providing their needs at both sowing and harvest. Launch an online diversification knowledge hub • Development and launch of a web-based to assist existing primary producers and new platform that will enable Australian farmers entrants about opportunities in new, developing and to interrogate their options for new crop and established plant and animal industries. animal prospects which they could integrate into their farming systems to diversify for resilience and increased profitability.

39 Goal 3: Investment by Program

Research Program: INVESTING IN PEOPLE Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources To develop leadership and human capacity for primary $852,000 RIRDC core industries and their communities and contribute to funding and external enhancing future labour supply to meet demand in contributions primary industries for skilled occupations. The Program primarily invests in scholarships and programs that develop and build the skills and leadership potential of people in the rural sector.

Research Projects New Contracting in 2014-15 2014 Horizon Scholarship successful applicants

Contracting in 2014-15 2015 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award Contracting in 2014-15 2015 ABC Heywire sponsorship Contracting in 2014-15 2014/15 PhD scholarships Continuing PRJ-008950 ARLP Course 21, 22 & 23: Sponsorship for 2013-2015 PRJ-007229 Scholarship – W. Mulvaney (Development of seaweed-based feeds) PRJ-007218 Scholarship – C. Giles (Ref PRJ-004862) PRJ-007450 Scholarship – N. Owen (Agave-derived ethanol production on marginal land) PRJ-008346 Scholarship Top Up – M. Wilson (Tony Byrne Memorial) PRJ-009250 Scholarship – P. Tobias (Gene expression analysis of plants with Myrtle rust PRJ-008419 Horizon Scholarship 2012 – E. Ludington (RIRDC CME – USyd) PRJ-008436 Horizon Scholarship 2012 – B. Browning (CRDC – USyd) PRJ-008437 Horizon Scholarship 2012 – K. McCormack (CRDC – UNE) PRJ-008438 Horizon Scholarship 2012 - L. Crothers (AWI UQ) PRJ-008439 Horizon Scholarship 2012 – J. Mooney (AECL – UNE) PRJ-008440 Horizon Scholarship 2012 – E. Star (RIRDC Rice – CSU) PRJ-008441 Horizon Scholarship 2012 – H. Schulz (MLA – CSU) PRJ-008442 Horizon Scholarship 2012 – T. Redden (MLA – USyd) PRJ-008907 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – R. Garside (MLA – UQ) PRJ-008908 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – M. Rogan (SRDC – UQ) PRJ-008909 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – A. Trinder (McCaughey Memorial Institute – CSU) PRJ-008911 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – P. Sanderson (CRDC – CSU) PRJ-008912 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – K. Johnston (MLA – UNE) PRJ-008913 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – M. Baker (RIRDC CME – CSU) PRJ-008914 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – J. Kirkpatrick (CRDC – CSU)

40 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Continuing PRJ-008916 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – C. French (CRDC – UNE) PRJ-008917 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – A. Johnson (CRDC – UNE) PRJ-008918 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – C. Raleigh (RIRDC – CSU) PRJ-008919 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – D. McCauley (RIRDC – U WA) PRJ-008970 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – A. Lucas (GRDC – UTas) PRJ-008971 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – S. Bell (GRDC – Marcus Oldham) PRJ-008972 Horizon Scholarship 2013 – S. Robertson (GRDC – Uni of Melbourne) PRJ-007314 Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 – E. Lee (RIRDC – CSU) PRJ-007441 Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 – D. Fox (DAFF – UQ) Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-005603 Investing In Youth Studentship Program 2010 – H. Brodie (RIRDC – UQ) PRJ-007313 Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 – A. Hammond (AECL – La Trobe) PRJ-007315 Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 – R. O'Reilly (LAN – UNE) PRJ-007316 Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 – R. Quigley (Woolworths – USyd) PRJ-007317 Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 – R. Quigley (Woolworths – USyd) PRJ-007359 Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 – R. Dunsmuir (CRDC –LaTrobe)

Research Program: BIOENERGY, BIOPRODUCTS AND ENERGY Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Source Bring awareness to the primary industries sector about $41,000 Core RIRDC funding the opportunities to engage in the bioenergy supply chain as a feedstock producer.

Research Projects Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-009612 Management of the Biomass Producer website

41 Research Program: HENDRA VIRUS Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources To minimise the impact of Hendra virus $386,000 Core RIRDC funding, industry voluntary contributions and external contributions contributions

Research Projects Continuing PRJ-008213 Models that predict risk for Hendra virus transmission from flying fox to horses Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-008190 Spikes in Hendra spillover: early warning through the bat urinary metabolome PRJ-008194 Development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics for Hendra virus infections PRJ-008198 Longitudinal cohort study of horse owners PRJ-008214 Models to predict Hendra virus prevalence in flying fox populations PRJ-008241 Implementing a national flying-fox monitoring program PRJ-008345 Early detection of Hendra virus infection by microRNA profiling

Research Program: PRIMARY INDUSTRIES HEALTH AND SAFETY PARTNERSHIP Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To support increasingly healthy, safe and productive $280,000 Voluntary partner working lives in the primary industries through contributions investment in RD&E to drive sustainable improvements to work health and safety outcomes

Research Projects New Contracting in 2014-15 Development of a communications strategy for the Primary Industries Health and Safety Partnership Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-009419 Synthesis of projects delivered PRJ-009424 Addressing the barriers to adoption PRJ-009458 Mapping the work health and safety risks in the primary industries PRJ-009463 Work health and safety legislative responsibilities

Research Program: CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH STRATEGY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Aim 2014–15 Budget Funding Sources

To host the secretariat of the Climate Change Research $260,000 Partner contributions Strategy for Primary Industries and promote collaboration on climate research.

42 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Other non program-specific projects

Research Projects New Contracting in 2014-15 Diversification website – www.farmdiversity.com.au Due for completion 2014–15 PRJ-007678 Improving the capacity of primary industries to withstand cyclonic winds PRJ-007807 A method to screen new crop prospects

43 APPENDICES

A. Budget income and expenses for 2014–15

Estimated Budget Forward Forward Forward actual estimate estimate estimate estimate 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 EXPENSES Employee benefits 3,918 3,591 3,493 3,654 3,654 Supplier expenses 3,331 2,841 2,602 2,613 2,613 Grants 16,307 13,459 12,486 12,539 12,777 Depreciation and amortisation 180 180 180 180 180 Total 23,736 20,071 18,761 18,986 19,224 LESS: OWN SOURCE INCOME Own-source Revenue Industry contributions 2,264 2,259 2,129 2,129 2,129 Interest 600 600 600 600 600 Royalties 220 220 220 220 220 Other 600 293 293 293 293 Total own-source revenue 3,684 3,372 3,242 3,242 3,242 Total own source income 3,684 3,372 3,242 3,242 3,242 Net cost of (contribution by) Services 20,052 16,699 15,519 15,744 15,982 Revenue from government Commonwealth contribution 14,748 12,663 11,871 12,096 12,334 Industry contribution 5,304 4,036 3,648 3,648 3,648 Total revenue from 20,052 16,699 15,519 15,744 15,982 government Surplus (Deficit) - - - - - Surplus (Deficit) - - - - - attributable to Australian Government Total comprehensive - - - - - income Total comprehensive - - - - - income attributable to the Australian Government

44 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Notes to Appendix A table: Budget income and expenses for 2014-15 1. Employee benefits includes estimates for Sections 33(1)(c), 68 and 81 of the PIRD Act concerning remuneration of Directors in 2014–15 of $736,000. 2. Supplier expenses includes estimates for Sections 33(1)(c) and 89 of the PIRD Act concerning remuneration of committee members in 2014–15 of $50,000. 3. Supplier expenses includes estimates for Section 33(1)(d) and 34 of the PIRD Act concerning levy collection and management expenditure payable to the Commonwealth in 2014–15 of $120,000

Reporting against the Guidelines on Funding of Consultation Costs by Primary Industry and Energy Portfolio Statutory Authorities

In accordance with the Guidelines on Funding of Consultation Costs by Primary Industry and Energy Portfolio Statutory Authorities, RIRDC will pay the Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc. approximately $118,000 for R&D management services in 2014–15. The list of projects managed by the Australian Chicken Meat Federation, including the nature, purpose and expected outcomes of each project, can be found in the 'Research Projects' table in the Chicken Meat program section (under 'Goal 2) of this Annual Operational Plan.

45 B. Strategic Research Priorities - Projects listed for 2014–15

Strategic Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project No. Program Societal Challenge - Living in a changing environment 1.2: Manage risk and capture PRJ-008028 CME Poultry Odour Modelling Clarification Studies opportunities for sustainable natural and PRJ-008476 CME Co-funding for Executive Function Strategy human systems Committee for NAW RDE Strategy PRJ-008485 CME APL National agricultural manure management program (NAMMP) PRJ-008616 CME Opportunities to improve broiler locomotory ability

PRJ-008899 CME Assessment of factors influencing behaviour & welfare of birds in FR systems PRJ-009075 CME Post-hatch management for improved broiler locomotion PRJ-009333 CME Effects of environmental parameters on behaviour and welfare PRJ-009194 CME Deterrence of waterfowl from waterbodies: a critical review PRJ-009533 CME Review of evidence to underpin development of Welfare Standards and Guidelines PRJ-009570 CME Increasing renewable energy generation through embedded hybrid energy precincts PRJ-008190 HEV Spikes in Hendra spillover: early warning through the bat urinary metabolome PRJ-008194 HEV Development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics for Hendra virus infections PRJ-008198 HEV Longitudinal cohort study of horse owners

PRJ-008214 HEV Models to predict Hendra virus prevalence in flying fox populations PRJ-008241 HEV Implementing a national flying-fox monitoring program PRJ-008213 HEV Models that predict risk for Hendra virus transmission from flying fox to horses PRJ-008345 HEV Early detection of Hendra virus infection by microRNA profiling

1.3: Enable societal PRJ-009612 BBE Management of the Biomass Producer website transformation to enhance sustainability and wellbeing Societal Challenge – Promoting population health and wellbeing 2.1: Optimise effective PRJ-006238 CME Campylobacter dynamics in free-range & delivery of health care conventional farming systems and related systems and services PRJ-009424 PIH Addressing the Barriers to Adoption PRJ-009419 PIH Synthesis of Projects Delivered PRJ-009584 PIH 2014 Farm Safe Australia Conference Sponsorship

46 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Strategic Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project No. Program Societal Challenge – Managing our food and water assets 3.1: Optimise food and fibre PRJ-009378 POA Feasibility and opportunities for Peruvian purple production using our land corn in Australia and marine resources PRJ-006417 ALP Developing Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Camelids, especially the Alpaca PRJ-008897 BUF Genetic improvements in Australian Water Buffalo (xtn PRJ-634) PRJ-007615 FCR Improved oat varieties for hay production: national program IV PRJ-008975 FCR Future proofing fodder quality analysis for Australia PRJ-009525 FCR Cost Benefit Analysis of R&D Investment in Fodder Program PRJ-009627 FCR Vetch varieties for grain and hay production for Australian farmers PRJ-008410 GIN Assessment of Pythium diversity in ginger PRJ-008532 GIN Improving Soil Health to Suppress Soilborne Diseases of Ginger PRJ-008962 GIN Technical support, extension and minor use development for the Ginger Industry PRJ-008964 GIN Extension, Education and Communication of R&D for the Australian Ginger Industry PRJ-008308 GIN Improved tissue culture production of ginger clean planting material PRJ-009626 GIN Induced Pythium Resistance in ginger PRJ-009664 GIN Health benefits of ginger: a review of the peer reviewed scientific literature PRJ-009665 GIN Global ginger market assessment - opportunities for Australian ginger producers PRJ-009666 GIN Best practice supply chain management information for the ginger industry PRJ-007374 HBE PA toxicity laboratory work - Phase 1 PRJ-007664 HBE Update and reprint of the book: Beekeeping PRJ-007774 HBE A test for Africanization in imported semen PRJ-007765 HBE A pheromone trap to catch queen bees PRJ-008429 HBE T2M Develop an attractant specific to A cerana Java strain PRJ-008540 HBE Upgrading knowledge of pathogens (particularly viruses) of Australian honeybees PRJ-008631 HBE Production of videos on best practice for the beekeeping industry PRJ-009055 HBE Chemical residue in beehives post canola flowering. PRJ-009334 HBE External attractant trap for Small Hive Beetle PRJ-009276 HBE Genetic Evaluation of Australian Honeybees using BLUP procedures PRJ-009186 HBE Active Australian Leptospermum honey: new sources and their bioactivity PRJ-009415 HBE International Union for the Study of Social Insects PRJ-009538 HBE Development of a Code of Practice and National Bee 5. Biosecurity Program PRJ-009644 HBE 2014, 2015 and 2016 WA Farmers Federation Beekeepers Annual Conferences

47 Strategic Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project No. Program

3.1: Optimise food and fibre PRJ-009645 HBE Queensland Beekeepers Association 2014, 2015 and production using our land 2016 Conferences Sponsorship and marine resources (cont) PRJ-009646 HBE Victorian Apiarists' Association 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences Sponsorship PRJ-009647 HBE Tasmanian Beekeepers Association 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences Sponsorship PRJ-009648 HBE SA Apiarists Association 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences PRJ-009652 HBE NSW Apiarists' Association 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences Sponsorship PRJ-003781 NAP Marron Production Enhancement PRJ-005157 NAP Development of a polychaete worm aquaculture industry in South Australia PRJ-005355 NAP Molecular selection tools for the Australian crocodile industry PRJ-005806 NAP Optimising mulloway farming through better feed and hatchery practices PRJ-008527 NAP Factors impacting Australian Alpaca meat and methods to improve quality PRJ-008536 NAP Boosting Redclaw Industry Productivity With Improved Nutrition & Feed Management PRJ-009413 NAP Scoping study for genetic evaluation and improvement of Australian dairy goats PRJ-009427 NAP Development of innovative tools for the detection and control of CAE virus PRJ-009388 NAP Eliminate factors inhibiting redclaw farming from reaching its full potential PRJ-003853 NPP Broad scale implementation of native grass germination enhancement technologies PRJ-006338 NPP Review/rejuvenation of the Australian New Crops Website PRJ-006635 NPP To investigate closed production systems for ornamental ginger production PRJ-007678 NPP Improving the capacity of Primary Industries to withstand cyclonic winds PRJ-007778 NPP Australian wild rice characterisation PRJ-007807 NPP A method to screen new crop prospects PRJ-008078 NPP Optimizing pollination of dates (Phoenix dactylifera) PRJ-007907 NPP Agronomic Evaluation of Teff in Tasmania PRJ-008973 NPP Ongoing maintenance for New Crops Website PRJ-009384 NPP Developing the Queensland Guar Industry PRJ-009569 NPP Ancient grasses make new products PRJ-009635 NPP Quinoa as a new crop in Australia, continuation of PRJ-004225 PRJ-008578 POL Communication for the Pollination Program 2013-15 PRJ-008701 POL Development of an Australian Bee Health and Management website PRJ-008711 POL National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (2013-15) and facilitator PRJ-009102 POL Compatability of management objectives on public lands with beekeeping

48 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Strategic Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project No. Program

3.1: Optimise food and fibre PRJ-005348 PSE Drop tube irrigated lucerne seed, herbage yield and production using our land plant persistence evaluation and marine resources (cont) PRJ-006081 PSE Evaluating different fertilisers in lucerne seed production PRJ-008404 PSE Development of molecular markers for cultivar identification PRJ-008515 PSE Lucerne Australia Communication and Adoption Project PRJ-007256 RIC Rice Research Partnership (Rice Varietal Improvement) PRJ-007497 RIC Agronomic options for profitable rice-based farming system in northern Australia PRJ-007477 RIC Rice NIR & Remote Sensing PRJ-007580 RIC Cold tolerant traits and QTLs for improved efficiency of rice breeding program PRJ-007773 RIC Improving pest and disease 5. Biosecurity in the Australian rice industry PRJ-007835 RIC Farmers News Letter (IREC) PRJ-007707 RIC Nuffield Scholarship for a Ricegrower PRJ-007786 RIC Australian Rural Leadership Program Scholarship for Course 20 PRJ-007953 RIC Australian Rice Weed Management PRJ-008173 RIC Assess degradable polymer film use in early planting of aerobic rice varieties PRJ-008481 RIC RIC Horizon Scholarship sponsorhip Eliza Star (See PRJ-008440) PRJ-008483 RIC Implementing Precision Agriculture in the Australian Rice Industry PRJ-008565 RIC Characterisation of Rice blast races present in Australia PRJ-008568 RIC Developing superior aromatic rice germplasm for Australia PRJ-008574 RIC Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building soil carbon in the rice industry PRJ-008686 RIC Modernising Rice Data Collection PRJ-008720 RIC Development of rice bran protein hydrolysate-based bioactive products PRJ-008764 RIC Influence of plant population on rice growth and grain yield PRJ-008765 RIC A study of microwave-based weed management in the rice industry PRJ-008768 RIC Defining the link between rice grain protein profiles and rice grain quality PRJ-008800 RIC Communication and Adoption Project for the rice industry PRJ-009170 RIC Alternative Management of Rice Straw PRJ-009197 RIC Growth regulator evaluation in Australian rice crops PRJ-009181 RIC Social Factors Influencing 7. Technology Adoption in the Rice Industry PRJ-009296 RIC Rice Extension Coordination PRJ-009239 RIC Rice Industry Leadership Development Program PRJ-009224 RIC Improving rotational crop establishment options following rice

49 Strategic Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project No. Program

3.1: Optimise food and fibre PRJ-009271 RIC Developing and testing tools for measuring and production using our land managing variability in rice and marine resources (cont) PRJ-009676 RIC Chemical handling worker exposure study protocol development 3.3: Maximise the PRJ-009653 NRI Nutritional sufficiency of the national food effectiveness of the production system: Phase 2 production value chain from primary to PRJ-009441 BUF Developing Appropriate Stunning Methods for processed food Halal Slaughter of Water Buffalo Societal Challenge – Lifting productivity and economic growth 5.1: Identify the means by PRJ-007578 GC New Immigrants Improving Productivity in which Australia can Australian Agriculture lift productivity and economic growth PRJ-009235 GC Benchmarking Energy Use on Farm PRJ-009395 GC Cost Benefit Analysis of R&D Investment in Global Challenges Program PRJ-009684 GC Export Assistance and Agricultural Trade Reform PRJ-007583 CME Available and retainable phosphorus of feedstuffs for broilers PRJ-007650 CME Optimization of Australian Protein Meals PRJ-008582 CME Enhancement of NIR calibrations for broiler chicken AME PRJ-008714 CME Loop-mediated isothermal amplification tests to detect poultry pathogens PRJ-008695 CME The factors influencing sorghum starch digestibility in broiler chickens PRJ-008722 CME Dietary manipulation of nutrient-specific appetite in broiler chickens PRJ-008715 CME Surveillance and pathotyping of Australian IBDV PRJ-008792 CME Controlling virulent ILTV field recombinants using vaccination PRJ-009099 CME Whole grain feeding for chicken meat production PRJ-009120 CME Electolyte supplementation of broilers prior to transport PRJ-009184 CME A review: Understanding the many factors that contribute to wet litter PRJ-009659 CME Ext - Implementation of a net energy system for the Australian chicken meat PRJ-009671 CME Travel: 10th International Symposium on Marek's Disease and Avian Herpesviruses PRJ-005158 DPI Development of the Kakadu Plum Industry in Northern Australia PRJ-006535 DPI Linking rambutan phenology and key economic germplasm for improved production PRJ-006673 DPI Identification of desirable coffee secondary metabolites PRJ-007666 DPI Hazelnuts in Australia: Opportunities for long term development PRJ-007831 DPI Utilisation of carob in healthy foods for a new rural manufacturing industry PRJ-008380 DPI Developing a small native vegetable industry based on Platysace deflexa PRJ-009026 DPI Davidsonia domestication in Far North Queensland (Pt 2)

50 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Strategic Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project No. Program

5.1: Identify the means by PRJ-009369 DPI Management of New Industry Minor Use Permits- which Australia can A Transition to Industry Ownership lift productivity and economic growth (cont) PRJ-009407 DPI New Coffee Varieties for the Australian Subtropics PRJ-009450 DPI Expanding the Australian coffee industry’s genetic resource foundation PRJ-009387 DPI Development of an Industry 5. Biosecurity Plan for the Australian Truffle Industry PRJ-009422 DPI Australian Truffle Growers Guide PRJ-009588 DPI Monitoring quality and bioactivity of kakadu plum in the Northern Territory PRJ-009593 DPI Increasing the shelf life in Australian black truffles PRJ-009594 DPI Lemon and anise myrtle-functional ingredients in cross industry applications PRJ-009602 DPI Scholarship - Native food ingredient applications PRJ-009678 DPI Investment Cases for Developing Plant Industries PRJ-009681 DPI Tea tree breeding investment case PRJ-009682 DPI Developing and Maturing Plant Industries RD&E PRJ-000726 HOR Short term and future athletic performance of critically ill equine neonate PRJ-004862 HOR An adenoviral vector vaccine against Rhodococcus equi (linked to PRJ-007218) PRJ-006214 HOR Efficacy of IV and aerosolised recombinant equine TNF-α for treating EIPH PRJ-006508 HOR Working towards a more accurate diagnosis of inflammatory airway disease PRJ-008135 HOR Macrocyclic lactone resistance in Australian horses PRJ-005085 NAP Developing an Effective Diluent for Transport of Rabbit Semen PRJ-007806 NAP Valuable behavioural phenotypes in Australian farm dogs PRJ-009685 NAP Valuable behavioural phenotypes in Australian farm dogs - phase 2 5.2: Maximise Australia’s PRJ-008920 GC Trade policy today: old protection in new clothes competitive advantage in critical sectors PRJ-009251 GC The potential benefits for Australian agriculture of a domestic food GI regime PRJ-009546 GC Managing Climate Variability Program Part 4 Funding Support PRJ-009337 NRI Understanding Australian Farm Business Performance PRJ-009265 NRI Entrepreneurship in Australian Agriculture: a scoping study PRJ-009454 NRI Improved access to Agvet chemicals for agricultural industries PRJ-007524 EOI Discovery of genetic resistance markers to Myrtle rust in Myrtaceae PRJ-008883 EOI Myrtle Rust screening in lemon myrtle provenance plantings (Pt 2) PRJ-008858 EOI Newsletter for the Essential Oil Producers' Association of Australia PRJ-008960 EOI Post Graduate 'top-up' Scholarship - D. Kainer

51 Strategic Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project No. Program

5.2: Maximise Australia’s PRJ-009205 EOI Essential Oils & Plant Extracts Review, Investment competitive advantage in Case and 5 Year Plan 2014-19 critical sectors (cont) PRJ-009385 EOI Sponsorship of the 29th International Horticultural Congress 2014 PRJ-009606 EOI Nano-encapsulation of plant extracts for targeted delivery in healthcare PRJ-009613 EOI Native plant extracts for extended shelf life in corn PRJ-009614 EOI Agronomic and extraction parameters for Centipeda (Part 2) PRJ-009624 EOI CRC Myrtle Rust Scholarship PRJ-005131 TTO Anti-tumour mechanisms of action and prophylactic activity of tea tree oil PRJ-006245 TTO In vitro activity and clinical efficacy of tea tree oil products against acne PRJ-008456 TTO Using tea tree residues & legumes to develop a low-emission tea tree industry PRJ-008670 TTO Biology, epidemiology and management of Elsinoe leaf spot in tea tree PRJ-008881 TTO Integrated Pest Disease Management in Tea Tree Oil - Monitoring and Extension PRJ-009615 TTO Dermal penetration of tea tree oil PRJ-009616 TTO Improved tea tree plants for yield, growth and resilience using molecular PRJ-009617 TTO Developing elite clones and seed for improvements in productivity and profit PRJ-009620 TTO Tea Tree Oil - Communication of RD&E (2) PRJ-008061 WNP Defining leaf analysis as a strategy for effective nutrition management PRJ-008850 WNP Somatic fusion within the Haemodoraceae PRJ-009045 WNP Capacity Building and Communications for the Wildflower Industry stage 2 PRJ-009448 WNP Evaluation of R&D Investment in Wildflowers and Native Plants Program PRJ-009597 WNP Tissue culture and deflasking protocols for grevillea PRJ-009598 WNP Somatic Embryogenisis of Corymbia ficifolia and hybrids PRJ-009599 WNP Somatic fusion within the Chamelaucium alliance: Stage 2 PRJ-009600 WNP Insect disinfestation treatments for cut flowers - literature review 5.3: Deliver skills for the new PRJ-009469 ALP Method of castration in alpacas economy PRJ-005621 CME Poultry CRC (09/10 to 16/17) PRJ-007382 CME Robert A Swick, UNE Poultry Research Hub PRJ-008152 CME Co funding contribution National Welfare RD&E Capacity Building Project PRJ-008422 CME CME Horizon Scholarship sponsorship Emma Ludington (see PRJ-008419) PRJ-008778 CME Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships - Guy Hebblewhite 2013 PRJ-005603 HZS Investing In Youth Studentship Program 2010 - H. Brodie (RIRDC - UQ)

52 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Strategic Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project No. Program

5.3: Deliver skills for the new PRJ-007315 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - economy (cont) R. O'Reilly (LAN - UNE) PRJ-007317 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - M. Rowbottom (MLA - UWA) PRJ-007313 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - A. Hammond (AECL - La Trobe) PRJ-007314 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - E. Lee (RIRDC - CSU) PRJ-007359 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - R. Dunsmuir (CRDC-LaTrobe) PRJ-007316 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - R. Quigley (Woolworths-USyd) PRJ-007441 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - D. Fox (DAFF - UQ) PRJ-008419 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - E. Ludington (RIRDC CME - USyd) PRJ-008436 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - B. Browning (CRDC - USyd) PRJ-008437 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - K. McCormack (CRDC - UNE) PRJ-008438 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - L. Crothers (AWI UQ) PRJ-008439 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - J. Mooney (AECL - UNE) PRJ-008440 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - E. Star (RIRDC Rice - CSU) PRJ-008441 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - H. Schulz (MLA - CSU) PRJ-008442 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - T. Redden (MLA - USyd) PRJ-008907 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - R. Garside (MLA - UNE) PRJ-008908 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - M. Rogan (SRDC - UQ) PRJ-008909 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - A. Trinder (McCaughey Memorial Institute - CSU) PRJ-008911 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - P. Sanderson (CRDC - CSU) PRJ-008912 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - K. Johnston (MLA - UNE) PRJ-008913 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - M. Baker (RIRDC CME - CSU) PRJ-008914 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - J. Kirkpatrick (CRDC - CSU) PRJ-008915 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - E. Miller (CRDC - CSU) PRJ-008916 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - C. French (CRDC - UNE) PRJ-008917 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - A. Johnson (CRDC - UNE) PRJ-008918 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - C. Raleigh (RIRDC - CSU) PRJ-008970 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - A. Lucas (GRDC - UTas) PRJ-008971 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - S. Bell (GRDC - Marcus Oldham)

53 Strategic Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project No. Program

5.3: Deliver skills for the new PRJ-008972 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - S. Robertson economy (cont) (GRDC - Uni of Melbourne) PRJ-009571 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - G. Scott (CRDC - UWS) PRJ-009572 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - J. Kitschke (GRDC - Adelaide University) PRJ-009573 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - C. Broun (GRDC - UWA) PRJ-009574 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - M. Wellington (CRDC - UQ) PRJ-009575 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - A. Carpenter (AWI - UNE) PRJ-009576 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - G. Campbell (GRDC - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009577 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - S. Johnston (CRDC - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009578 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - A. Warren (RIRDC - UNE) PRJ-009579 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - F. Taylor (CRDC - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009580 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - M. McCallum (GRDC - Uni of Adelaide) PRJ-009581 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - F. Cowden (GRDC - Uni of Syd) PRJ-009582 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - A. Martin (CRDC - CSU) PRJ-009583 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - S. Coggins (GRDC - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009622 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - A. Markey (AECL - CSU) PRJ-009634 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - J. Scifleet (ANZ - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009640 HZS HZN 2014-2015 Expenditure PRJ-008950 IIP ARLP Course 21, 22 & 23: Sponsorship for 2013 - 2015 PRJ-009554 IIP Outlook 2014 - 2016 IIP Conference Sponsorship PRJ-009621 IIP Heywire - The ABC Gives Regional Youth a Voice 2015 - 2017 PRJ-009638 IIP 2015 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture PRJ-009639 RWA RWA 2014-2015 Expenditure PRJ-009642 RWA RWA 2014 AICDC PRJ-009673 RWA RWA 2014 Video Production PRJ-009674 RWA RWA 2014 Sponsorship QRRRWN Conference PRJ-007229 SCH Scholarship - W. Mulvaney (Development of seaweed-based feeds) PRJ-007218 SCH Scholarship - C. Giles (Ref PRJ-004862) PRJ-007219 SCH Scholarship - B. Mos (Tropical Sea Urchin) PRJ-007450 SCH Scholarship - N. Owen (Agave-derived ethanol production on marginal land) PRJ-008346 SCH Scholarship Top Up - M. Wilson (Tony Byrne Memorial) PRJ-009250 SCH Scholarship - P. Tobias (Gene expression analysis of plants with myrtle rust) PRJ-009641 SCH PHD Expenditure 2014-2015 PRJ-009683 SCH PhD Scholarship Top Up - T. Simnadis

54 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 C. Rural Research Priorities — Projects listed for 2014–15

Rural Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project Program No. Productivity and PRJ-008616 CME Opportunities to improve broiler locomotory ability adding value PRJ-009075 CME Post-hatch management for improved broiler locomotion PRJ-009333 CME Effects of environmental parameters on behaviour and welfare PRJ-009533 CME Review of evidence to underpin development of Welfare Standards and Guidelines PRJ-008190 HEV Spikes in Hendra spillover: early warning through the bat urinary metabolome PRJ-008194 HEV Development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics for Hendra virus infections PRJ-008198 HEV Longitudinal cohort study of horse owners PRJ-008214 HEV Models to predict Hendra virus prevalence in flying fox populations PRJ-008241 HEV Implementing a national flying-fox monitoring program PRJ-008213 HEV Models that predict risk for Hendra virus transmission from flying fox to horses PRJ-008345 HEV Early detection of Hendra virus infection by microRNA profiling PRJ-009424 PIH Addressing the Barriers to Adoption PRJ-009512 INP Indigenous Pastoral Project evaluation component PRJ-007412 DRC Comparative Study Indigenous Trainees NRM PRJ-009378 POA Feasibility and opportunities for Peruvian purple corn in Australia PRJ-006417 ALP Developing Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Camelids, especially the Alpaca PRJ-008897 BUF Genetic improvements in Australian Water Buffalo (xtn PRJ-634) PRJ-007615 FCR Improved oat varieties for hay production: national program IV PRJ-008975 FCR Future proofing fodder quality analysis for Australia PRJ-009525 FCR Cost Benefit Analysis of R&D Investment in Fodder Program PRJ-009627 FCR Vetch varieties for grain and hay production for Australian farmers PRJ-008410 GIN Assessment of Pythium diversity in ginger PRJ-007664 HBE Update and reprint of the book: Beekeeping PRJ-007765 HBE A pheromone trap to catch queen bees PRJ-009276 HBE Genetic Evaluation of Australian Honeybees using BLUP procedures PRJ-009186 HBE Active Australian Leptospermum honey: new sources and their bioactivity PRJ-009415 HBE International Union for the Study of Social Insects PRJ-003781 NAP Marron Production Enhancement PRJ-005157 NAP Development of a polychaete worm aquaculture industry in South Australia

55 Rural Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project Program No. Productivity and PRJ-005355 NAP Molecular selection tools for the Australian adding value (cont) crocodile industry PRJ-005806 NAP Optimising mulloway farming through better feed and hatchery practices PRJ-008527 NAP Factors impacting Australian Alpaca meat and methods to improve quality PRJ-008536 NAP Boosting Redclaw Industry Productivity With Improved Nutrition & Feed Management PRJ-009413 NAP Scoping study for genetic evaluation and improvement of Australian dairy goats PRJ-009427 NAP Development of innovative tools for the detection and control of CAE virus PRJ-009388 NAP Eliminate factors inhibiting redclaw farming from reaching its full potential PRJ-006338 NPP Review/rejuvenation of the Australian New Crops Website PRJ-006635 NPP To investigate closed production systems for ornamental ginger production PRJ-007678 NPP Improving the capacity of Primary Industries to withstand cyclonic winds PRJ-007778 NPP Australian wild rice characterisation PRJ-007807 NPP A method to screen new crop prospects PRJ-008078 NPP Optimizing pollination of dates (Phoenix dactylifera) PRJ-007907 NPP Agronomic Evaluation of Teff in Tasmania PRJ-008973 NPP Ongoing maintenance for New Crops Website PRJ-009384 NPP Developing the Queensland Guar Industry PRJ-009569 NPP Ancient grasses make new products PRJ-009635 NPP Quinoa as a new crop in Australia, continuation of PRJ-004225 PRJ-006081 PSE Evaluating different fertilisers in lucerne seed production PRJ-008515 PSE Lucerne Australia Communication and Adoption Project PRJ-007256 RIC Rice Research Partnership (Rice Varietal Improvement) PRJ-007497 RIC Agronomic options for profitable rice-based farming system in northern Australia PRJ-007477 RIC Rice NIR & Remote Sensing PRJ-007580 RIC Cold tolerant traits and QTLs for improved efficiency of rice breeding program PRJ-007773 RIC Improving pest and disease 5. Biosecurity in the Australian rice industry PRJ-007835 RIC Farmers News Letter (IREC) PRJ-007953 RIC Australian Rice Weed Management PRJ-008173 RIC Assess degradable polymer film use in early planting of aerobic rice varieties PRJ-008483 RIC Implementing Precision Agriculture in the Australian Rice Industry PRJ-008565 RIC Characterisation of Rice blast races present in Australia

56 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Rural Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project Program No. Productivity and PRJ-008568 RIC Developing superior aromatic rice germplasm for adding value (cont) Australia PRJ-008574 RIC Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building soil carbon in the rice industry PRJ-008686 RIC Modernising Rice Data Collection PRJ-008764 RIC Influence of plant population on rice growth and grain yield PRJ-008768 RIC Defining the link between rice grain protein profiles and rice grain quality PRJ-008800 RIC Communication and Adoption Project for the rice industry PRJ-009197 RIC Growth regulator evaluation in Australian rice crops PRJ-009181 RIC Social Factors Influencing 7. Technology Adoption in the Rice Industry PRJ-009296 RIC Rice Extension Coordination PRJ-009224 RIC Improving rotational crop establishment options following rice PRJ-009271 RIC Developing and testing tools for measuring and managing variability in rice PRJ-009676 RIC Chemical handling worker exposure study protocol development PRJ-009441 BUF Developing Appropriate Stunning Methods for Halal Slaughter of Water Buffalo PRJ-007578 GC New Immigrants Improving Productivity in Australian Agriculture PRJ-009235 GC Benchmarking Energy Use on Farm PRJ-009684 GC Export Assistance and Agricultural Trade Reform PRJ-007583 CME Available and retainable phosphorus of feedstuffs for broilers PRJ-007650 CME Optimization of Australian Protein Meals PRJ-008582 CME Enhancement of NIR calibrations for broiler chicken AME PRJ-008714 CME Loop-mediated isothermal amplification tests to detect poultry pathogens PRJ-008695 CME The factors influencing sorghum starch digestibility in broiler chickens PRJ-008792 CME Controlling virulent ILTV field recombinants using vaccination PRJ-009099 CME Whole grain feeding for chicken meat production PRJ-009120 CME Electolyte supplementation of broilers prior to transport PRJ-009184 CME A review: Understanding the many factors that contribute to wet litter PRJ-009659 CME Ext - Implementation of a net energy system for the Australian chicken meat PRJ-009671 CME Travel: 10th International Symposium on Marek's Disease and Avian Herpesviruses PRJ-005158 DPI Development of the Kakadu Plum Industry in Northern Australia PRJ-006535 DPI Linking rambutan phenology and key economic germplasm for improved production PRJ-006673 DPI Identification of desirable coffee secondary metabolites

57 Rural Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project Program No. Productivity and PRJ-007666 DPI Hazelnuts in Australia: Opportunities for long term adding value (cont) development PRJ-007831 DPI Utilisation of carob in healthy foods for a new rural manufacturing industry PRJ-008380 DPI Developing a small native vegetable industry based on Platysace deflexa PRJ-009026 DPI Davidsonia domestication in Far North Queensland (Pt 2) PRJ-009407 DPI New Coffee Varieties for the Australian Subtropics PRJ-009450 DPI Expanding the Australian coffee industry’s genetic resource foundation PRJ-009387 DPI Development of an Industry 5. Biosecurity Plan for the Australian Truffle Industry PRJ-009422 DPI Australian Truffle Growers Guide PRJ-009588 DPI Monitoring quality and bioactivity of kakadu plum in the Northern Territory PRJ-009593 DPI Increasing the shelf life in Australian black truffles PRJ-009594 DPI Lemon and anise myrtle-functional ingredients in cross industry applications PRJ-009602 DPI Scholarship - Native food ingredient applications PRJ-009678 DPI Investment Cases for Developing Plant Industries PRJ-009681 DPI Tea tree breeding investment case PRJ-009682 DPI Developing and Maturing Plant Industries RD&E PRJ-000726 HOR Short term and future athletic performance of critically ill equine neonate PRJ-004862 HOR An adenoviral vector vaccine against Rhodococcus equi (linked to PRJ-007218) PRJ-006214 HOR Efficacy of IV and aerosolised recombinant equine TNF-α for treating EIPH PRJ-006508 HOR Working towards a more accurate diagnosis of inflammatory airway disease PRJ-008135 HOR Macrocyclic lactone resistance in Australian horses PRJ-005085 NAP Developing an Effective Diluent for Transport of Rabbit Semen PRJ-007806 NAP Valuable behavioural phenotypes in Australian farm dogs PRJ-009685 NAP Valuable behavioural phenotypes in Australian farm dogs - phase 2 PRJ-008960 EOI Post Graduate 'top-up' Scholarship - D. Kainer PRJ-005131 TTO Anti-tumour mechanisms of action and prophylactic activity of tea tree oil PRJ-006245 TTO In vitro activity and clinical efficacy of tea tree oil products against acne PRJ-008670 TTO Biology, epidemiology and management of Elsinoe leaf spot in tea tree PRJ-009615 TTO Dermal penetration of tea tree oil PRJ-009616 TTO Improved tea tree plants for yield, growth and resilience using molecular PRJ-009617 TTO Developing elite clones and seed for improvements in productivity and profit PRJ-008061 WNP Defining leaf analysis as a strategy for effective nutrition management

58 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Rural Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project Program No. Productivity and PRJ-008850 WNP Somatic fusion within the Haemodoraceae adding value (cont) PRJ-009448 WNP Evaluation of R&D Investment in Wildflowers and Native Plants Program PRJ-009597 WNP Tissue culture and deflasking protocols for grevillea PRJ-009598 WNP Somatic Embryogenisis of Corymbia ficifolia and hybrids PRJ-009469 ALP Method of castration in alpacas PRJ-007315 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - R. O'Reilly (LAN - UNE) PRJ-007317 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - M. Rowbottom (MLA - UWA) PRJ-007313 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - A. Hammond (AECL - La Trobe) PRJ-007314 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - E. Lee (RIRDC - CSU) PRJ-007359 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - R. Dunsmuir (CRDC-LaTrobe) PRJ-007316 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - R. Quigley (Woolworths-USyd) PRJ-007441 HZS Investing in Youth Studentship Program 2011 - D. Fox (DAFF - UQ) PRJ-008419 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - E. Ludington (RIRDC CME - USyd) PRJ-008436 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - B. Browning (CRDC - USyd) PRJ-008437 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - K. McCormack (CRDC - UNE) PRJ-008438 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - L. Crothers (AWI UQ) PRJ-008439 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - J. Mooney (AECL - UNE) PRJ-008440 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - E. Star (RIRDC Rice - CSU) PRJ-008441 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - H. Schulz (MLA - CSU) PRJ-008442 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2012 - T. Redden (MLA - USyd) PRJ-008907 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - R. Garside (MLA - UNE) PRJ-008908 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - M. Rogan (SRDC - UQ) PRJ-008909 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - A. Trinder (McCaughey Memorial Institute - CSU) PRJ-008911 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - P. Sanderson (CRDC - CSU) PRJ-008912 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - K. Johnston (MLA - UNE) PRJ-008913 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - M. Baker (RIRDC CME - CSU) PRJ-008914 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - J. Kirkpatrick (CRDC - CSU) PRJ-008915 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - E. Miller (CRDC - CSU)

59 Rural Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project Program No. Productivity and PRJ-008916 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - C. French adding value (cont) (CRDC - UNE) PRJ-008917 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - A. Johnson (CRDC - UNE) PRJ-008918 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - C. Raleigh (RIRDC - CSU) PRJ-008970 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - A. Lucas (GRDC - UTas) PRJ-008971 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - S. Bell (GRDC - Marcus Oldham) PRJ-008972 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2013 - S. Robertson (GRDC - Uni of Melbourne) PRJ-009571 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - G. Scott (CRDC - UWS) PRJ-009572 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - J. Kitschke (GRDC - Adelaide University) PRJ-009573 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - C. Broun (GRDC - UWA) PRJ-009574 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - M. Wellington (CRDC - UQ) PRJ-009575 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - A. Carpenter (AWI - UNE) PRJ-009576 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - G. Campbell (GRDC - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009577 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - S. Johnston (CRDC - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009578 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - A. Warren (RIRDC - UNE) PRJ-009579 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - F. Taylor (CRDC - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009580 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - M. McCallum (GRDC - Uni of Adelaide) PRJ-009581 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - F. Cowden (GRDC - Uni of Syd) PRJ-009582 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - A. Martin (CRDC - CSU) PRJ-009583 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - S. Coggins (GRDC - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009622 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - A. Markey (AECL - CSU) PRJ-009634 HZS Horizon Scholarship 2014 - J. Scifleet (ANZ - Uni of Sydney) PRJ-009640 HZS HZN 2014-2015 Expenditure PRJ-007229 SCH Scholarship - W. Mulvaney (Development of seaweed-based feeds) PRJ-007218 SCH Scholarship - C. Giles (Ref PRJ-004862) PRJ-007219 SCH Scholarship - B. Mos (Tropical Sea Urchin) PRJ-008346 SCH Scholarship Top Up - M. Wilson (Tony Byrne Memorial) Supply chain and markets PRJ-008899 CME Assessment of factors influencing behaviour & welfare of birds in FR systems PRJ-006238 CME Campylobacter dynamics in free-range & conventional farming systems

60 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Rural Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project Program No. Supply chain and markets PRJ-008404 PSE Development of molecular markers for cultivar (cont) identification PRJ-009653 NRI Nutritional sufficiency of the national food production system: Phase 2 PRJ-008920 GC Trade policy today: old protection in new clothes PRJ-009251 GC The potential benefits for Australian agriculture of a domestic food GI regime PRJ-009606 EOI Nano-encapsulation of plant extracts for targeted delivery in healthcare PRJ-009613 EOI Native plant extracts for extended shelf life in corn PRJ-009614 EOI Agronomic and extraction parameters for Centipeda (Part 2) PRJ-009624 EOI CRC Myrtle Rust Scholarship PRJ-009599 WNP Somatic fusion within the Chamelaucium alliance: Stage 2 PRJ-009600 WNP Insect disinfestation treatments for cut flowers - literature review PRJ-005603 HZS Investing In Youth Studentship Program 2010 - H. Brodie (RIRDC - UQ) PRJ-009250 SCH Scholarship - P. Tobias (Gene expression analysis of plants with myrtle rust) Natural resource management PRJ-008028 CME Poultry Odour Modelling Clarification Studies PRJ-009194 CME Deterrence of waterfowl from waterbodies: a critical review PRJ-009570 CME Increasing renewable energy generation through embedded hybrid energy precincts PRJ-009055 HBE Chemical residue in beehives post canola flowering. PRJ-008456 TTO Using tea tree residues & legumes to develop a low- emission tea tree industry PRJ-007450 SCH Scholarship - N. Owen (Agave-derived ethanol production on marginal land) Climate variability and PRJ-008485 CME APL National agricultural manure management climate change program (NAMMP) PRJ-003853 NPP Broad scale implementation of native grass germination enhancement technologies PRJ-009546 GC Managing Climate Variability Program Part 4 Funding Support PRJ-008950 IIP ARLP Course 21, 22 & 23: Sponsorship for 2013 - 2015 PRJ-009554 IIP Outlook 2014 - 2016 IIP Conference Sponsorship PRJ-009621 IIP Heywire - The ABC Gives Regional Youth a Voice 2015 - 2017 PRJ-009638 IIP 2015 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture PRJ-009639 RWA RWA 2014-2015 Expenditure PRJ-009642 RWA RWA 2014 AICDC PRJ-009673 RWA RWA 2014 Video Production PRJ-009674 RWA RWA 2014 Sponsorship QRRRWN Conference PRJ-009641 SCH PHD Expenditure 2014-2015 PRJ-009683 SCH PhD Scholarship Top Up - T. Simnadis

61 Rural Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project Program No. Biosecurity PRJ-008532 GIN Improving Soil Health to Suppress Soilborne Diseases of Ginger PRJ-008962 GIN Technical support, extension and minor use development for the Ginger Industry PRJ-008964 GIN Extension, Education and Communication of R&D for the Australian Ginger Industry PRJ-008308 GIN Improved tissue culture production of ginger clean planting material PRJ-009626 GIN Induced Pythium Resistance in ginger PRJ-009664 GIN Health benefits of ginger: a review of the peer reviewed scientific literature PRJ-009665 GIN Global ginger market assessment - opportunities for Australian ginger producers PRJ-009666 GIN Best practice supply chain management information for the ginger industry PRJ-007374 HBE PA toxicity laboratory work - Phase 1 PRJ-007774 HBE A test for Africanization in imported semen PRJ-008429 HBE T2M Develop an attractant specific to A cerana Java strain PRJ-008540 HBE Upgrading knowledge of pathogens (particularly viruses) of Australian honeybees PRJ-009334 HBE External attractant trap for Small Hive Beetle PRJ-009538 HBE Development of a Code of Practice and National Bee 5. Biosecurity Program PRJ-008711 POL National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (2013-15) and facilitator PRJ-008715 CME Surveillance and pathotyping of Australian IBDV PRJ-009369 DPI Management of New Industry Minor Use Permits- A Transition to Industry Ownership PRJ-007524 EOI Discovery of genetic resistance markers to Myrtle rust in Myrtaceae PRJ-008883 EOI Myrtle Rust screening in lemon myrtle provenance plantings (Pt 2) PRJ-008881 TTO Integrated Pest Disease Management in Tea Tree Oil - Monitoring and Extension Innovation skills PRJ-008476 CME Co-funding for Executive Function Strategy Committee for NAW RDE Strategy PRJ-009612 BBE Management of the Biomass Producer website PRJ-009419 PIH Synthesis of Projects Delivered PRJ-009584 PIH 2014 Farm Safe Australia Conference Sponsorship PRJ-008631 HBE Production of videos on best practice for the beekeeping industry PRJ-009644 HBE 2014, 2015 and 2016 WA Farmers Federation Beekeepers Annual Conferences PRJ-009645 HBE Queensland Beekeepers Association 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences Sponsorship PRJ-009646 HBE Victorian Apiarists' Association 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences Sponsorship PRJ-009647 HBE Tasmanian Beekeepers Association 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences Sponsorship PRJ-009648 HBE SA Apiarists Association 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences

62 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Rural Research RIRDC RIRDC Project Priorities Project Program No. Innovation skills (cont) PRJ-009652 HBE NSW Apiarists' Association 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences Sponsorship PRJ-008578 POL Communication for the Pollination Program 2013- 15 PRJ-008701 POL Development of an Australian Bee Health and Management website PRJ-009102 POL Compatability of management objectives on public lands with beekeeping PRJ-007707 RIC Nuffield Scholarship for a Ricegrower PRJ-007786 RIC Australian Rural Leadership Program Scholarship for Course 20 PRJ-008481 RIC RIC Horizon Scholarship sponsorhip Eliza Star (See PRJ-008440) PRJ-009239 RIC Rice Industry Leadership Development Program PRJ-009395 GC Cost Benefit Analysis of R&D Investment in Global Challenges Program PRJ-009337 NRI Understanding Australian Farm Business Performance PRJ-009265 NRI Entrepreneurship in Australian Agriculture: a scoping study PRJ-009454 NRI Improved access to Agvet chemicals for agricultural industries PRJ-008858 EOI Newsletter for the Essential Oil Producers' Association of Australia PRJ-009205 EOI Essential Oils & Plant Extracts Review, Investment Case and 5 Year Plan 2014-19 PRJ-009385 EOI Sponsorship of the 29th International Horticultural Congress 2014 PRJ-009620 TTO Tea Tree Oil - Communication of RD&E (2) PRJ-009045 WNP Capacity Building and Communications for the Wildflower Industry stage 2 PRJ-005621 CME Poultry CRC (09/10 to 16/17) PRJ-007382 CME Robert A Swick, UNE Poultry Research Hub PRJ-008152 CME Co funding contribution National Welfare RD&E Capacity Building Project PRJ-008422 CME CME Horizon Scholarship sponsorship Emma Ludington (see PRJ-008419) PRJ-008778 CME Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships - Guy Hebblewhite 2013 Technolog y PRJ-005348 PSE Drop tube irrigated lucerne seed, herbage yield and plant persistence evaluation PRJ-008720 RIC Development of rice bran protein hydrolysate-based bioactive products PRJ-008765 RIC A study of microwave-based weed management in the rice industry PRJ-009170 RIC Alternative Management of Rice Straw PRJ-008722 CME Dietary manipulation of nutrient-specific appetite in broiler chickens

63 D. Notification of significant events

The Corporation has reviewed this Plan in terms of section 19 of thePublic Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, which defines a particular class of proposal as ‘significant’ and notifiable to Ministers. The Corporation confirms, in the context of section 19, that there are no ‘significant’ proposals in this Plan that should be drawn to the attention of Ministers. E. Consultation with stakeholders

RIRDC has two organisations prescribed by section 7 of its legislation. This requires RIRDC to report on its activities each financial period. This accountability runs parallel to RIRDC’s Annual Report to the Minister and the Parliament. Reporting for the 2013–2014 period occurred as follows: • The National Farmers’ Federation on 19 November 2013 • The Australian Chicken Meat Federation on 25 November 2013 F. Service charter

Enabling legislation and the Board RIRDC’s enabling legislation is the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 (the PIRD Act 1989). The RIRDC Board is accountable to the Parliament of Australia through the Minister for Agriculture. It: • Sets strategic direction and establishes policies for the Corporation • Oversights operational and functional performance against budget and other key performance indicators on behalf of stakeholders.

Core business To facilitate a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector by maximising the knowledge outcomes from our R&D investments for Australian industries and government in: • New and emerging industries • Established rural industries • National rural issues Core principles in RIRDC’s approach to its mandate are: Collaboration—RIRDC consults widely with our industry and government stakeholders to determine investment strategies and priorities and seeks strong collaborative arrangements with other funding partners and research providers where this can enhance outcomes. Facilitation—RIRDC facilitates more effective use of community and scientific expertise in the creation of new knowledge and its adoption. Innovation—RIRDC invests in innovative solutions to the problems and constraints facing its key stakeholders.

64 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 Stakeholders • The Australian Government on behalf of rural industries and taxpayers • Industry funders • The Australian community • Primary clients • For RIRDC related industries, all participants in the production and marketing chain (producers, processors, distributors and consumers) • On RIRDC’s strategic cross-sectoral program, the National Farmers’ Federation on behalf of all rural industries

Industry consultations Communications channels between RIRDC and rural industries meet two essential functions— accountability and bringing industry influence to bear on the research agenda. At the peak industry level, the Corporation is accountable to: • National Farmers’ Federation • Australian Chicken Meat Federation. All of the research programs have reference steering committees with stakeholder membership.

Reporting to stakeholders There are four key accountability documents for stakeholders: 1. A five-year Corporate Plan that sets out strategies, directions and performance indicators for the Corporation. 2. Five-year R&D plans for each industry program within new and emerging industries, established rural industries and national rural issues. 3. An annual operational plan that sets out yearly objectives to give effect to the five-year Corporate Plan, the five-year industry plans, the annual budget and annual research priorities 4. The annual report, which sets out achievements against objectives, budgets and administration costs.

65 G. RIRDC Advisory Committees – Chairs

Chicken Meat Animal Industries • Mr Gary Sansom • Dr Paul Donnelly

Primary Industries Health and Safety New and Development Plant Industries Partnership • Dr Tony Hamilton • Mr Gordon Gregory Pasture Seeds Essential Oils • Mr Chris Martin • Mr Richard Davis Rice Fodder Crops • Mr Ian Mason • Vacant Tea Tree Oil Ginger Committee • Mrs Patricia Bolster • Mr Shane Templeton Wildflowers Honeybee and Pollination • Mr Mark Irwin • Vacant

Horses • Dr John McCaffrey

66 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 H. List of abbreviations

ABARES Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics AGWA Australian Grape and Wine Authority ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation ACMF Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc. AFIA Australian Fodder Industry Association ARLP Australian Rural Leadership Program AW I Australian Wool Innovation CRC Cooperative Research Centre CRDC Cotton Research and Development Corporation CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation DNA deoxyribonucleic acid FRDC Fisheries Research and Development Corporation GRDC Grains Research and Development Corporation HAL Horticulture Australia Limited IP Intellectual Property MLA Meat and Livestock Australia MRET Mandatory Renewable Energy Target NFF National Farmers’ Federation NIR Near Infrared Spectroscopy NRM Natural Resource Management OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development OHS Occupational Health and Safety RDCs Research and Development Corporations RGA RiceGrowers’ Association RIRDC Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

67 RIRDC Program abbreviations

BBE Bioenergy, Bioproducts and Energy CME Chicken Meat EOI Essential Oils and Plant Extracts DYN Dynamic Rural Communities FCR Fodder Crops FFHS Farming, Fishing Health and Safety HBE Honeybee HEV Hendra Virus HOR Horse HZS Horizon Scholarship IIP Investing in People NAP New Animal Products NPP New Plant Products NRI National Rural Issues PIHSP Primary Industries Health and Safety Partnership PSE Pasture Seeds RIC Rice RNF Rare Natural Fibres RWA Rural Women's Award SCH Scholarships TTO Tea Tree Oil WNP Wildflowers and Native Plants

68 RURAL INDUSTRIES R&D CORPORATION Annual Operational Plan 2014-15 I. Corporate Directory

Chair • Professor Daniela Stehlik 02 6271 4100 Managing Director • Craig Burns 02 6271 4111 Executive Manager • Anwen Lovett 02 6271 4149 General Manager, Corporate • Christine Quick 02 6271 4150 Manager, Communications and Public Affairs • Damon Whittock 02 6271 4175 Finance Manager • Peter Waddell 02 6271 4158

69 Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Postal Address: PO Box 4776, Kingston ACT 2604 Street Address: Level 2, 15 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600

www.rirdc.gov.au