Aims to drive economic growth and sustainability across the region
A four-year research, development and extension (RD&E) program is poised to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the northern regions of Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland.
The project engages with local stakeholders and has ongoing local oversight: both essential components in ensuring the project delivers on the needs of northern growers and producers and contributes to the long-term growth and prosperity of the northern agricultural sector.
The launch of the Cotton Grain Cattle Program is a significant milestone for Northern Australia’s agricultural industry. As it unfolds, it will drive economic growth and sustainability across the region, signifying a new era of agricultural innovation and collaboration.
The Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) has joined forces with the Cotton Research Development Corporation (CRDC), the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA), universities, state governments and industry stakeholders to launch the innovative CRCNA Cotton Grain Cattle Program.
Comprising six interlinked projects, the program is designed to address pressing research gaps in the emerging broadacre regions of Northern Australia, while also boosting the value delivered to the cattle industry.
The program is based on an analysis undertaken by the CRCNA which highlighted the importance of integrated agricultural systems in Northern Australia. It revealed that the greatest RD&E investment value is achieved when cropping is coordinated with other activities, such as beef production.
By focusing on these key areas, the Cotton Grain Cattle Program is set to elevate the agricultural profile of Northern Australia, creating a robust and sustainable sector that will benefit the local economy. This initiative underlines GRDC and CRDC’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation across the grain and cotton industries.
GRDC and CRDC’s commitment to this program equates to a total investment of approximately $1 million each. This substantial investment signals a tangible and sustained commitment to the advancement of broadacre production in the region.
