THE NSW grains industry received a $16 million boost yesterday with the announcement of funding for 22 new cropping research projects.
Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce joined NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson, Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) chair Richard Clark, and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson in announcing the multi-million investment at the Tamworth Agricultural Institute.
The research will tackle grain issues from the farm to the final destination, improving disease management, eliminating grain defects, assessing the impact of frost, developing new crop varieties and opening up new export markets.
Research will be conducted at DPI research centres, including Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Narrabri and Trangie and on growers' properties in each grain production area.
The projects will see the creation of new research positions and industry development roles, with people working in cotton and irrigated grains, and industry development to promote pulse and oilseed industries.
Mr Joyce said the research would boost grains production, leading to a better return to the farmgate.
"We want farmers to get the best return per hectare of ground," he said.
"We can only do that with proficient research in the areas where we need it."
Mr Joyce said the funding increase would help farmers out-compete their global counterparts.
"The projects are a boost to regional farming communities across NSW and will help farmers unlock new market opportunities and improve the profitability of their businesses."
