Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper $100 million to extend the programme from Getting research and 2018–19 until 2021–22. This means that over the course of 8 years we will invest development working $200 million in longer-term collaborative for farmers projects that deliver real returns for farmers. Round one of the Rural R&D for Profit Supporting an innovative agriculture programme saw up to $26.7 million in sector with access to advanced funding allocated to 12 projects. technology and the latest farming Projects funded under round one included: practices smarter irrigation for profit; Research, development and extension stimulating private sector extension in (RD&E) advances the way we do things, and Australia agriculture to increase returns underpins farmers’ ability to produce and from R&D; export high-quality products. fast-tracking and maximising the long-lasting Australia’s RD&E system is world class and a benefits of weed biological control for successful Government/industry partnership. farm productivity; and Together, Government and industry are a profitable future for Australian agriculture: projected by the Council of Rural Research bio refineries for higher-value animal and Development Corporations Chairs to feeds, chemicals and fuels. fund around $5.5 billion in rural RD&E over the next 10 years. Round Two is expected to open for applications shortly. The Government also supports six agricultural Cooperative Research Centres Setting the right priorities (CRCs), a new CRC on Developing Northern The Commonwealth has established the Australia, as well as the CSIRO’s extensive following priority areas to ensure R&D is in agricultural research. This investment needs areas that will keep our farmers at the to work for our farmers and deliver real cutting edge of productivity growth: returns at the farm gate. advanced technology: to enhance innovation Rural R&D for Profit through new technologies such as More research needs to target cross-sector robotics, digitisation, ‘big data’, genetics issues including, for example, wild dog and high-tech precision agriculture; control, water, climate change, IT biosecurity: to improve understanding of improvements and labour supply. pests and diseases, minimise biosecurity That is why the Government established the threats and improve market access for $100 million Rural R&D for Profit primary producers; programme. It is funding collaborative soil, water and managing natural resources: research projects to deliver cutting edge to efficiently manage inputs, sustainably technologies, applied research and on-farm develop new production areas and adoption. improve resilience to climate change; and There was huge demand in the first round of adoption of R&D: to flexibly deliver the programme. In response, the extension services for primary producers Government is providing an additional and recognise the growing role of private service delivery. More Efficiency The Government is reducing Research and Continued commitment to Development Corporation (RDC) industry levies administration costs, leaving more money for RD&E. The Government’s main contribution to RD&E is through matching industry levies. In The Government will require RDCs to place 2014–15 this contribution was worth more focus on: approximately $250 million. the extension and adoption of R&D outcomes The Government is extending its levy by farmers; and matching by providing an additional: increasing co-ordination of back-office $1.4 million to match new industry levies in functions (for example through shared the export fodder and tea tree oil human resources and accounting industries; and services). $1.2 million to boost funding for the Rural Further Information Industries Research and Development agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au Corporation to help small agricultural industries with RD&E.