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The Grains Research & Development Corporation is responsible for planning, investing and overseeing research and development, delivering improvements in production, sustainability and profitability across the Australian grains industry.
GRDC operates as a research investment body in partnership with growers and Government, linking innovative research with industry needs for the greatest benefit to its stakeholders and playing a role in communication and education for the industry sector.
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The GRDC runs six program areas focusing on the grains industry. Of particular relevance to Natural Resource Management is Program 4 – Sustainable Farming Systems.
The prime objective of this Program is the development of profitable grain production systems that maintain or enhance the natural resource base that underpins the industry. The program looks at all aspects of farming systems through land, water and vegetation resources, as well as effects of climate and aspects associated with risk management.
While having a scientific basis through research, the program also emphasises the importance of grower participation within the research with paddock scale testing and integration of information into farming systems. In this way, there is a close inter-linking of scientific research and practical application at a farm scale, with information flowing in both directions.
Broadly the program aims to assist in:
• Developing new technology and practices
• Developing and promoting integrated farm management practices at the paddock and property scale
• Integrating natural resource management practices into viable farming systems.
Partnerships and Collaborative Programs
Grain and Graze is a joint initiative of the GRDC, Land and Water Australia (LWA), and the Meat and Livestock Association (MLA), with key objectives to increase profitability of farming enterprises, improve water quality, and enhance the condition and diversity of plant and wildlife on farms and across catchments.
An important feature of Grain and Graze is the emphasis on the participation of farmers, researchers and catchment planners in the design and implementation of on-farm trials and demonstration sites. Grain and Graze also encourages partnerships between catchment management boards and farming systems groups.
Products
The GRDC publications list is organised into the categorises ‘Free’, ‘Corporate’ and ‘For Sale’. These publications are available from the online bookshop at the GRDC website. Research summaries, fact sheets and other information products are available on the GRDC website under the headings, ‘For Growers’, ‘For Researchers’ and ‘For Consumers’. Alternatively, contact GRDC Publications Office to enquire about hard copy versions. GroundCover is a free bi-monthly newspaper published by the GRDC. It provides technical information for grain growers, including updates on research, trials, new varieties, farmer activities and case studies. Contact the Publications Office, or visit the website for subscription details.
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