Grains industry calls for innovative services, technologies

AUSTRALIA'S Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is calling for innovators to come forward with technologies, services or products that can help to drive the industry forward. GRDC, through its Innovation Investment program, is looking to capture ideas and concepts from any field that have the potential to improve the Australian grains industry.

"Anyone with an idea for a novel product, service or technology that could be of value to the grains industry is being encouraged to submit their concepts to the Grains Research and Development Corporation, said GRDC manager of Commercial Farm Technologies, Paul Meibusch.

He said the GRDC is aiming to invest up to $1.5 million per year in the program, with up to 10 short-term, proof-of-concept type projects to be contracted annually.

"The next round of applications is now open, and GRDC is welcoming submissions from private or public organisations as well as individuals, including potential co-investments with private companies," Mr Meibusch said.

Earlier this year, GRDC announced the start-up of the first five novel research projects under its new Innovation Investment program.

These projects will tackle emerging and established issues such as slugs and snails, fungus in crops and stored grain, blackleg disease in canola, and pre-harvest sprouting.

"GRDC is heavily focused on investment in projects that deliver real-time solutions to issues that are impacting on yield and profit, and the Innovation Investment program is an exciting new concept designed to enhance our capacity and ability to make a real impact at the grass-roots level," Mr Meibusch said.

He said proposals would be evaluated on their novel content and approach, likelihood of success, as well as the importance of the problem they address or opportunity they create.

Applications close on October 31, and further information about the Innovation Investment program is available through the website.

www.grdc.com.au/innovation

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