PULSE Australia will scale down its extension program after the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) decided to cut funding for extension for Pulse Australia in favour of implementing a new strategic direction for its pulse industry investment.
Pulse Australia will now focus on its ex-farmgate roles, which include developing markets for Australian pulses and advocacy at a national & international level.
Board member with Pulse Australia David Matthews said the company was looking at how it would adapt to the downsizing, but said the organisation would continue its role as the voice of the Australian pulse industry.
“We’ve been speaking to our members and they have all said there is a need for Pulse Australia and the role it plays.”
“The in the field and extension work with pulses will switch across to the GRDC but we will continue to provide our other services.”
A spokesperson for the GRDC confirmed the cuts, saying the GRDC funded project run by Pulse Australia ended on August 31.
“The GRDC does not invest in or sponsor organisations, but rather in projects that deliver outcomes for growers,” she said.
She said the organisation was implementing a new hierarchy and classification for its investment portfolio.
As part of its new investment strategy in the pulse sector, the GRDC will now run a range of projects, including finalising pulse-specific GrowNotes for the southern and western regions.
It will also issue an open call for the delivery of face to face technical workshops and for extension activities.
Mr Matthews said Pulse Australia would continue to be critical for the Australian pulse industry even after the shake-up.
He said Pulse Australia was needed to fill a number of roles within the industry such as:
• Advocacy at a national & international level
• Oversight of national pulse production
• Oversight of pulse quality
• Co-ordinated response to industry issues.
Mr Matthews said Pulse Australia added value to the industry by compiling and providing production, yield and export data, along with ensuring receival and export standards.
He also said the body liaised with the Australian government and industry to present a balanced industry view, advocated on behalf of Australia in regards to market access issue and represented the nation’s interests at international pulse forums.
Mr Matthews confirmed the body was in talks with the Australian Oilseeds Federation about potential arrangements where the two organisations, which enjoy a close working relationship could band together to share back office functions to cut costs.
The GRDC contributed around $500,000 of Pulse Australia’s $1 million budget.