Assess and/or encourage opportunities to introduce, or improve, new plant industry alternatives, particularly those that may provide opportunities for responding to climate change, for example:
industries based on climate-change-resilient plants) such as high value low water usage plants and heat/drought tolerant plants) and
plant industries that are climate-change-independent, e.g. located in tropical northern Australia; or based on protected/closed systems; or otherwise relatively unaffected by climate-change, such as seaweed.
Facilitate projects/industries that advance import replacement and export creation/expansion - Assess and/or establish opportunities to develop or expand new plant industries to provide replacements for currently imported products or products where Australian produce may have a competitive advantage in export markets (e.g. as a result of quality, safety , seasonality or to meet new consumer preferences)
Assess and/or facilitate opportunities to develop profitable and sustainable production and supply chain systems, and other mechanisms (for a new or existing product within new plant industries) that may assist with:
improvement of production and product availability
reduction in wastage, production or transport costs
improvements in product safety
improvements in quality/shelf-life/marketability of new plant products
improvement in biosecurity and quarantine in new industry practices
assessment of consumer and value chain benefits.
Identify opportunities for, and facilitate the development of, new industries that are well-placed to make a substantial contribution to rural and regional development in the future, including: special focus on the cultured seaweed industry - (and the facilitation of Seaweed Australia); education and network development in the date/date-palm industry (in partnership with Gurra Downs); a review/rejuvenation of the "New-Crops" website (co-hosted with the University of Queensland); and assistance with coordination and development of R&D in the Coffee industry, Tropical Fruits/Crops industries, Ginger industry, Truffle industry - and other industries as opportunities arise.
For Cultural and World Foods (incorporates Asian Foods program and includes Mediterranean and other world/cultural foods)
As stated for new plant products (above), but also with an emphasis on the following:
Assess and/or establish opportunities to advance sustainable cultural and world foods industries - with a focus on quality assurance and consumer/market acceptance, especially:
Improved management of biosecurity and pest/disease issues
Reduced risk chemistry
Effective communication among industry practitioners and development of industry / business synergies
For Native Foods
As stated for new plant products (above), but also with an emphasis on the following:
Industry stocktake (terms of reference are being developed with industry)
New Animal Products
The NAP program has separate R&D plans for New Animal Products, Kangaroo, Deer and Buffalo - click below to see the full plans for each industry.
Assess the feasibility of innovative ideas for new animal enterprises and products
Assess and improve the environmental, economic and social sustainability of new animal enterprises and products, including:-
productivity
product quality
animal welfare
Increase volume and access to domestic and export markets for new animal industry products
Develop more efficient supply chains for new animal industries
Encourage collaboration and resource sharing among new animal product researchers, and industry participants, to enable more efficient and effective outcomes
Support industry and research personnel national and international travel projects aimed towards improving Australian new animal production, product processing, and marketing opportunities.
Deer projects
Provide a review and synthesis based on international literature of venison nutritional values, cryovac storage times, and handling of animals to improve quality
Research priorities for the next funding round are consistent with the following objectives from the five year plan below:
The essential oils and plant extracts program will undertake research and development that:
Improves production systems to raise productivity and control over product qualities
Supports the demonstration of safety and effectiveness of Australian products and facilitates the satisfaction of regulatory requirements to enhance market access
Supports new ideas that provide potential for growing the market for Australian product
Improves the industry and research capacity
The industry considers that the first and third objectives are of greatest importance at this time.
Industry is also interested in the facilitation of commercialisation of new products, with an emphasis on the pathways through regulatory processes e.g. TGA and APVMA.
Commercial, technical as well as specialised scientific knowledge are key requirements for any application for this program. Applicants are encouraged to read the five year plan, and discuss potential applications with the research manager prior to submission.
Identify new market opportunities for rare animal fibres through market research
Improve productivity of rare fibre industries
Improve animal health and welfare for rare fibre industries, including access to veterinary chemicals.
Encourage collaboration and resource sharing among rare animal fibre researchers, and industry participants, to enable more efficient and effective outcomes
Develop innovative shearing systems to reduce skilled labour requirements, improve animal welfare outcomes, and improve fibre yield and quality.
Improve clip preparation for rare and nature fibres.
Identify and support innovative proof of concept/efficacy projects -including those in the areas of agriculture, health, industrial, cosmetic, biocidal and anti-microbial uses.
Improvement of germination rates of seed of Melaleuca alternifolia derived from the tea tree breeding program. The intention of the work would be to improve the performance of the seed to improve nursery performance and ensure that yield (seedlings per gram) is improved. A successful outcome should result in a decrease in the cost per seedling to growers which will lower the entry barrier a grower currently faces.
Specific data should be sought on:
Increasing the germination rate of the current raw seed as supplied from the Tea Tree Breeding Program using techniques such as colour or weight grading and targeted cleaning to remove non-viable seed.
Investigating optimal depth of seeding for enhanced germination
Investigating optimal temperature to maximise germination
Investigating seed pre-treatment to increase germination
Investigating optimal pH, moisture and fertiliser regimes to maximise growth and vigour for even seedling development
Investigating seed coating techniques to further enhance seeding and reduce pricking costs.
Investigate biosecurity issues and susceptibility to foreign diseases eg myrtle rust.
Assess and adapt existing Australian and international feedstocks and develop new feedstocks for bioenergy and bioproducts.
Scope, compare and develop energy and cost efficient technologies, infrastructure and logistics for harvesting and processing biomass:
Identify regions for growing energy crops including specific areas such as underutilized and /or low productivity land and its match to regional infrastructure capacity eg roads
Evaluate conversion technologies and select, research and develop those which are competitive for Australian circumstances:
A specific review is requested of the potential application of international technologies for second generation biofuel production (eg lignocellulosics conversion and algal technologies) in Australia; including a detailed assessment of intellectual property issues and barriers in accessing these technologies, and how to address these.
Assess and compare the feasibility for a range of feedstock and technology combinations at centralized and decentralized levels and at different scales.
Develop bioproducts that complement bioenergy production systems with a view to biorefinery development.
Investigate sustainability for Australian bioenergy and bioproducts industries, including life cycle analyses (CO2 and energy); sustainability of soil, water and biodiversity; and competition with food production.
Investigate policy mechanisms which steer the industry towards sustainable development.
Applicants should align their proposals with specific strategies for each of the objectives listed above in this plan.
Research Priorities for 2011-12
Objective 1:
To provide information which establishes the benefits of Australian olive products.
Objective 2:
To maintain the current high quality product while improving productivity, profitability and environmental management through all stages of the supply chain (nursery > grove > processing > storage).
Objective 3:
To develop strategies for existing and new olive producers to reduce the effects of climate change and variability.
Objective 4:
To build an educated, collaborative, innovative and skilled industry workforce and a cost effective, well funded RD&E program.
All applicants are encouraged to obtain matching funding from industry.
Applicants should consult the Five-Year Plan in the development of research proposals.
Research to improve feed conversion rates in meat chickens and to better utilize feed ingredients
Research nutrition issues linked to improved animal welfare outcomes
Develop additional through-chain strategies for control of Campylobacter and other food safety pathogens
Research the full suite of litter management options (reuse, sale as fertilizer, ammonia capture, burn as biofuel, etc) to provide tailored solutions for individual growers
Provide growers with tools to assist their management of environmental, food safety and animal welfare issues
Rebuilding the industry's human and institutional research capacity
Assist industry to understand, adapt to and profit from climate change
Proposals need to be aligned with the Program's 5 year R&D plan. Funding prioritization is likely to be given to proposals that address the following project scopes.
Project 1
Australian honeybee industry contribution to carbon reduction
Background
European honeybees play a vital role in Australian crop production and also pollinate native flora. The role of the Australian honeybee industry in using their bees to contribute to atmospheric carbon reduction needs to be analysed. An analysis is also needed of cost-effective options to reduce the honeybee industry's carbon footprint.
Objectives
Use a review of the literature to inform the scope for the Australian honeybee industry to contribute to atmospheric carbon reduction.
Analyse the extent to which managed honeybees reduce atmospheric carbon in Australia.
Develop a tool Australian beekeepers can use to assess the extent to which their honeybees contribute to atmospheric carbon reduction.
Analyse how Australian beekeepers can manage their honeybees so as to increase the quantity of atmospheric carbon sequestered.
Analyse cost-effective options to reduce the honeybee industry's carbon footprint.
Project 2
How will climate change impact on the honeybee industry?
Background
The Australian honeybee industry relies on pollen and nectar sources from native flora and agricultural crops. Climate change will change the Australian ecosystem and agricultural landscape. The consequential impact of climate change on the Australian honeybee industry needs to be analysed.
Objectives
Analyse the impact on the Australian honeybee industry of changes in agricultural crop production and ecosystem landscape likely to result from climate change.
Recommend further research required to prepare the industry for climate change.
Project 3
How can the preparation of Australian packaged bees for sale be altered to increased profits?
Background
Australia exports live European honeybees. An analysis of the operational methods used to prepare bees for export is required to assess whether opportunities exist to increase profits to this sector of the Australian honeybee industry.
Objectives
Analyse the operations employed by that sector of the Australian honeybee industry that export live bees.
Assess the options for the sector to reduce costs and increase revenues.
Recommend opportunities for the sector to increase profits.
Recommend further research required to grow this sector of the industry.
Project 4
Rapid method for locating queen bees
Background
Finding a queen bee in a hive can be a time-consuming activity. For a commercial beekeeper with many hives, a device that rapidly located a queen bee would reduce labour cost and increase their productivity.
Objectives
Evaluate the costs and benefits of existing technologies that beekeepers could use to rapidly locate a queen bee within a hive of a commercial apiary.
Recommend how the most preferred technology could be introduced into the beekeeping industry.
Conduct trials on the technology of choice to test its effectiveness. This will require collaboration with members of the beekeeping industry
Project 5
Effects of neonicotinoids on honeybees in Australian conditions
Background
Neonicotinoid insecticides are used throughout the world. What is not known is the effect of these insecticides on honeybees in Australian conditions.
Objectives
Assess the effect of neonicotinoid insecticides on young and adult honeybees resulting from the use of these insecticides by Australian agricultural and horticultural industries. This assessment should include an assessment of the effects of neonicotinoid residues in the soil.
Evaluate and recommend cost effective options to reduce the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides on honeybees.
Proposals need to be aligned with the Program's 5 year R&D plan. Funding prioritization is likely to be given to proposals that address the following project scopes.
Project 1
How many honeybees does Australia need to optimally pollinate crops?
Background
Australian crop production receives pollination services from feral and managed honeybees. Does the current level of pollination deliver the maximum profit to crop producers? If Varroa mites reach Australia and the mites kill off honeybees, how many managed honeybees will Australia then need to pollinate crops?
Objectives
Develop a multi-agent spatial and temporal model of the (feral and managed hive) honeybee pollination services provided to Australian crop producers.
Under various scenarios without Varroa mites being present in Australia, analyse the optimal level of pollination services.
Under various scenarios with Varroa mites being present in Australia, analyse the optimal level of pollination services.
Assess the implications for governments, the honeybee and crop producing industries that arise from the analyses.
Project 2
What is the risk of spreading disease during almond pollination?
Background
One of the biggest concerns of beekeepers is the risk of catching disease or pests from other beekeepers participating in almond pollination. No other event involves so many beekeepers and their bees in such close proximity to one another. Beekeepers from all the eastern states provide bees to pollinate almonds. Many ask if they are at risk and are reluctant to bring their bees to almonds. Even though every effort is made to keep infection risks to a minimum, no one knows the real risks.
Objectives
Undertake a risk assessment of the current operations of beekeepers in the management of hives throughout the year that are used to pollinate almonds.
Evaluation the cost and benefits to risk mitigation options to reducing the spread of diseases and pests between hives during the provision of pollination services to the almond industry.
Recommend cost-effective risk management strategies that beekeepers could employ in managing hives for all crops that require pollination.
Project 3
Novel rearing techniques for reducing the time required to produce hives ready for pollination
Background
Currently the European honeybee crop pollination services available in Australia are less than the number required were all pollination to be done by paid pollination services. If Varroa becomes established in Australia, it is likely that the number of hives required for crop, will rise faster than the rate of multiplication.
Objectives
Review the methods beekeepers use to prepare hives for pollination.
Develop a new method for beekeepers to more quickly multiplying the number of effective hives available for pollination than is currently used.
Project 4
What are the benefits and disadvantages (if any) of using screened bottom boards to control Varroa mites?
Background
One of the non-chemical methods used around the world to control Varroa is the use of screened bottom boards. Having a screen at the bottom of a hive enables mites that have been bitten or shaken off by the bees, to fall through to the ground underneath, where they die, thus preventing them from attacking other bees in the hive. This method has been found to eliminate 20% of mites on bees bred for resistance to Varroa.
However, beekeepers are reluctant to use screened bottom boards because they can see the possibility of cold air coming into the hive and hot air escaping, thus risking disease and giving entrance to other pests, such as beetles and ants.
Objectives
Assess the benefits and disadvantages of screened bottom boards in hives in Australian conditions.
Develop an enclosed screened bottom board that mitigates the disadvantages of screened bottom boards.
Compare the benefits and disadvantages of non-enclosed and enclosed screened bottom boards in Australian conditions.
Project 5
An integrated electronic hive monitoring and management system
Background
All hives look the same. An electronic means of identifying hives would provide a quick and efficient way to identify individual hives and be linked to software that records details about the hive eg age of queen, disease record, production and pollination history and hive strength. This will allow hives to be managed to prevent uneven quality provision of pollination services and to more effectively manage diseases and pests. Monitoring sensors (eg temperature differences inside and outside the hive, weight sensors, camera, etc) would allow information about the hive to be remotely transmitted to a beekeeper. Some of these monitoring devices may be able to be trialled in the ‘Bee Force' project hives to assist in monitoring the potential incursions of honeybee pests and diseases.
Objectives
1. Evaluate existing integrated electronic hive monitoring and management system available to Australian beekeepers.
2. Assess whether existing integrated electronic hive monitoring and management system meet the needs of the Australian beekeeping industry.
3. Develop the specification for an integrated electronic hive monitoring and management system that meets the needs of the Australian beekeeping industry.
4. If not available, develop and test hive monitoring devices that will assist Australian beekeepers manage their hives and assist monitor honeybee pests and diseases.
Project 6
Pesticides and Bees Booklet
Background
Quite often crop growers will ask beekeepers if certain chemicals will harm European honeybees. The beekeeper has to know what effect the particular chemical will have on hives and be able to advise an alternative if necessary.
Objectives
1. Collate information of trade names and chemicals available in the market place that are likely to be used by crop growers.
2. Develop an easy to use information booklet that highlights chemical products that crop growers can use that are not harmful to European honeybees.
Project 7
Researchers should consider preparing a proposal for the research project(s) that will be identified in the ‘Non-chemical and minimal chemical use options for management of Varroa' workshop in late August 2010.
Proposals need to be aligned with the Program's Five-year R&D Plan. Funding prioritisation is likely to be given to proposals that address the following project scopes.
Project 1
To conduct research or perform a scoping study to review the literature in order to assess/identify issues associated with the use of the padded whip and its effects on the welfare of racehorses.
Project 2
Scoping study to review literature and assess/identify issues associated with impacts of two-year old racing in Australia on welfare and longevity in racehorses.
Could include a review of racing database records to look at longevity based on assessments of starts, earnings, longevity in horses by age at first start.
The outcome would be to identify issues/problems and options for future studies.
RIRDC has funded a recent PhD in this area (Dr Naomi Cogger, University of Sydney 2006).
Project 3
Assessment of impact of RIRDC funded research on outcomes associated with industry practices for managing or reducing impacts of specific diseases or conditions. Examples of conditions that have been the subject of RIRDC funded research include diseases of foals (Rhodococcus equi), inflammatory airway disease, viral abortion, Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss, developmental bone disease in young horses.
Peter Chudleigh's evaluation of RIRDC's Horse Program, due to be completed later this year, is expected to be useful in informing the final decision and design of the project. (Please contact the Senior Program Manager, Dave Alden - dave.alden@rirdc.gov.au if you need further information on this).
Project 4
Scoping study or industry workshop to review the potential impacts of climate change on the Australian horse industry and identify/prioritise knowledge gaps and issues for further work.
Markets, Products and 'Blue Sky' Research: Explore and develop new export and domestic markets for Australian grown fodder, shore up existing markets and supply markets with new Australian fodder products.
The expectation is that we will receive projects evaluating and scoping these areas.
Plant Breeding and Germplasm Evaluation: address thhe increasingly specialised nature of world fodder markets through the development, and then adoption, of superior new varieties of the most important fodder crop species for export and domestic customers. The focus of new variety production is to be on cereals (especially oats), vetch and annual pasture species. Superior varieties are to address yield, climate change/drought tolerance, quality/palatability, pest/disease and agronomic challenges.
The focus of this objective from 2011 to 2014 is on Vetch breeding.
Crop Agronomy and Fodder Production Efficiency: Investigate crop agronomy and fodder production efficiency through investments in plant nutrition, pests/disease/weeds, micro-organisms, water use efficiency, farming systems, harvesting/processing technologies, fire management and agronomics to manage chemical residues in fodder.
The project areas that are of priority are: an audit of moisture meters; and systems to prevent chemical residues occurring in fodder to ensure safe livestock feeding, customer QA and regulatory compliance.
Supply Chain Efficiency - Harvesting, Transport, Traceability and Relationships with Allied Industries: Investigate improvements to the supply chain so that it is efficient in delivering the best quality product to end users through harvesting, storage, transport, coordination, traceability and building relationships with allied industries.
The project areas that are of priority are: To develop electronic and other technologies that permit cost effective and accurate measurement of plant moisture at harvest; support systems to ensure compliance with chemical withholding periods; systems to manage high moisture in hay; a consultancy to determine how to improve the efficiency and export supply chains; and development of tracability systems to manage weeds and other contaminants of hay. Prioritisation will be given to projects with shared money from other industries (eg superior hay for the dairy sector).
Improved Fodder Quality: Address fodder quality to ensure that Australian produced fodder in domestic and export markets meets customer expectations for quality in terms of product description, objective test results and quality attributes, such as metabolisable energy, protein content, level of extraneous matter, residues and animal preference.
The project areas that are of priority are:
To develop customer requirements for a common product description language for Australian fodder and the key characteristics of hay and silage that satisfy the requirements of end users.
Develop low cost rapid testing tools for Australian fodder crops that:
Are relevant to Australian production and supply chain conditions
Ensure the grower gets rewarded for quality production
Assist in dispute resolution and risk management
Measure fodder nutrients including energy (sugar), protein (high and good quality), multi-leaf/mega-leaf traits, low lignin/hemicellulose (high ME fodder)
Measure chemical residues including tests for ‘new generation' agricultural chemicals
Undertake R&D to minimise bailed hay quality loss. R&D to include all aspects of the supply chain and storage from bailer to consumption.
Benchmark the quality of Australian fodder against our international competitors.
Undertake R&D to enhance large square bale silage quality - boosting dry matter percentage, preventing storage losses, etc.
Undertake R&D to enhance silage quality, quantity, storage, assessment/testing, use of inoculants and fermentation best management practices.
Climate Change, Biosecurity and Environmental Management -Investigate:
climate change challenges facing the Australian fodder industry and its customers
effective support and development of fodder industry products which meet international trading standards and comply with import country protocal requirements
protecting the Australian fodder industry from biosecurity hazards
producing fodder products with minimal negative impacts on the environment.
Industry Linkages, Communication, Information Flows, Forecasting Tools and Program Evaluation: Explore avenues to ensure an informed industry and early successful adoption of R&D program outcomes.
The project area that is a priority is developing tools to forecast supply variability and shortfall issues.
Priority will be given to the following Pasture Seed 5 year Plan objectives
Industry Communication and Capacity Building: Information provision, extension, training and travel opportunities for researchers and pasture seed producers and others involved in the seed industry.
The project areas that are of priority are: to investigate opportunities to furbish the industry with superior and proactive outlook information and strategy setting opportunities across the whole ‘plant to animal' supply chain; prepare an economic analysis of the pasture seeds industry to demonstrate its value to livestock sector performance and profitability; and develop communication processes to ensure relevant stakeholders receive information about R&D.
Environmentally sustainable seed production systems
The project areas that are of priority are: to develop a plan for a more environmentally friendly and cost effective sub clover harvester (a consultancy bringing together the options would be highly regarded); and a consultancy to identify current and emerging environmental regulations, so that a better understanding of the environmental regulations might lead to productivity gains.
Monitoring, evaluating and adopting emerging science and technologies
The project areas that are of priority are: to develop a review process for emerging sciences and technologies relevant to the seed industry, and in that to monitor and communicate potential industry opportunities, threats and risks created through biotechnology, climate change modelling and other research outcomes.
Hugh Roberts Travel Award application open
The Hugh Roberts Travel Award is a well recognised travel award for members of the pasture seed and related industries. Hugh Roberts was one of the first Chairs of the Pasture Seeds R&D Advisory Committee. He was the major driving force behind the introduction of the current R&D levy for pasture seeds and therefore the establishment of this program at RIRDC. This award has been set up in Hugh's honour to support travel that expands learning and innovation in the industry and ensures domestic and international competitiveness. The award is an excellent way to gain and develop new knowledge and industry contacts in Australia and abroad, as well as disseminate the results and outcomes of your own research or work.
How to Apply The 2011 application round opens on 1 August 2010 and closes on 22 September 2010.
Continuing international agricultural trade reforms
Supporting international trade negotiations
Domestic agricultural infrastructure
Agricultural Productivity
Improving industry understanding of productivity
Measuring and comparing productivity performance
Food Security
Sovereign investment in Australian agriculture
Increasing protectionist responses in response to food security
Understanding supply and demand factors relating to global food supply
Climate Change
Understanding the trade implications of climate change policy
Improving assessment of agricultural emissions
Improving communication of the issues associated with climate change.
Dynamic Rural Communities
Research Priorities for 2011-12
Research and development proposals to:
Enhance future labour supply to meet demand in primary industries for skilled occupations including researchers.
RIRDC will facilitate research and development to support the transition of students from school and tertiary study into careers in primary industries (including research). It will also address research that will inform the attraction of young people and skilled labour to rural communities.
Develop leadership and human capacity in primary industries and rural communities.
RIRDC will support and invest in initiatives that build leadership capacity and skills in young people and women to ensure they have opportunities to contribute to positive change in rural communities that brings economic, social and environmental benefits.
Add value to information and communication infrastructure investments in rural Australia.
RIRDC will complement the current national broadband rollout with research that addresses the adoption and use of broadband technology and media to improve the productivity and economic and social well-being of rural people, industries and communities. It will also facilitate collaborative knowledge management initiatives across agencies that are engaged in agricultural, rural, natural resource management and environmental research to ensure that research outputs are effectively managed, and are accessible and communicated to stakeholders and users of research.
Enhance the capacity of rural communities to manage economic, social and environmental changes.
RIRDC will invest in R&D that assists governments (federal, state and local), regional organisations, rural communities and primary industries in establishing policies, programs and relationships that facilitate adaptation to economic, social, and environmental issues in rural Australia. This includes investment in research that assists in foreseeing and analysing critical issues that may affect the productivity and sustainability of rural industries and the resilience of rural communities.
Improve the productivity of natural resource use and conservation.
RIRDC will invest in research and development that addresses the challenges of managing natural resources (land, soils, water, vegetation and biodiversity) in rural Australia through initiatives that seek better integration of resource conservation and agricultural productivity growth for greater economic, environmental and social benefits.
Support the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian rural development.
RIRDC will deliver a program of research that supports the Government's Closing the Gap policies and programs. It will work with Indigenous organisations, communities, businesses and people, particularly in relation to the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples in Australia's rural economy.
Collaborative Partnership for Farming and Fishing Health and Safety
Improve the health and safety of people working in primary industries:
RIRDC is managing and investing in a collaborative R&D program including Grains Research and Development Corporation, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Sugar Research and Development Corporation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation and the Department of Health and Ageing. The program aims to improve the physical and mental health of people working farming and fishing occupations and of their families along with improving the safety environment and work practices in the farming and fishing industries. The program is guided by the Collaborative Partnership for Farming and Fishing Health and Safety Research and Development Plan, 2008-12.
