CROPPING

$3m for a WA based Crop Research Hub

Murdoch and Curtin universities to benefit with new growing facilities

Kristy Moroney

This article is 7 years old. Images might not display.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, said Murdoch University had received a $3 million Grains Industry Infrastructure Grant to establish the WA Crop Research Hub under collaboration between Murdoch University, Curtin University and the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

Minister Joyce said the government knows how critical research and development (R&D) is to productive and profitable industries and that’s why this government is investing an unprecedented amount under various programmes in to R&D.

“This innovative project will draw on the specialist research skills from each party to develop new research in crop pathology, plant physiology and genetic improvement,” Minister Joyce said.

“The outcomes of this research will be applied to improve crop productivity and resistance to disease, strengthening the national grain industry and profitability for Australian grain growers,” he said.

GRDC chairman John Woods said for the GRDC to deliver on its purpose of investing in R&E to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers it was essential for research partners to have the critical capacity they required. 

“Our R&D partners need good infrastructure and the right tools to deliver for the grains industry,” Mr Woods said.

“For the first time GRDC has gone out nationally to support our research partners in creating critical capacity and capability to deliver greater profitability for growers. This is essential to ensure a sustainable grains industry to underpin strong rural communities and a healthy economy,” he said.

“This partnership, of two Universities, a State Government Department, the Federal Government and a rural R&D Corporation, is a perfect demonstration of genuine collaboration to address key grower priorities. 

“This newly created Grains Research Hub designed to significantly improve the efficiency of crop research in Western Australia would not have been possible without everyone working together.” 

Murdoch University’s $3 million grant will be coupled with a co-contribution of $2 million by the project partners.

This collaboration is part of the Grains Industry Infrastructure Grants programme, administered by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, with 15 recipients sharing in $15 million in competitive grants.

The grant funding will go towards the development of glasshouses at Murdoch and Curtin Universities as well as 2.8ha of irrigated, netted field plots and additional infrastructure works

The total amount of funding available under the grant program was $15 million, with recipients vying for an amount between $20,000 and $3 million aimed at constructing glasshouses, greenhouses, irrigation works and new laboratories.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Large Square Baler Testing (March 2025)

This month Kondinin Group has capacity tested four high-density, large square balers in what is believed to be a first for Australia. Balers from Krone, Kuhn, Massey Ferguson and New Holland were put through their paces, working in windrowed straw.

editions

Research Report: Rural Communications (February 2025)

With the departure of 3G technology and the emergence of 5G and satellite options, there are significant changes on the connectivity horizon. This month Kondinin Group engineers Ben White and Josh Giumelli investigate what is the best way to stay connected in regional and remote areas.

editions

Research Report: Chaser Bins (January 2025)

Chaser bins play a vital role when it comes to on-farm grain logistics. The January Research Report features a comprehensive round up of the latest chaser bins of 30 tonnes-plus capacity.

editions

Research Report: Succession Planning (December 2024)

This month's research report, compiled with the input of John White, Rural Generations, is a great resource for succession planning. A key message from the report is to start succession planning as soon as possible.