Our Operations - back to menu Investment priorities for program 4: future agricultural systems
Objective: To identify key generic cross-sectoral issues confronting the rural sector and devise appropriate R&D programs that will benefit the sector and the nation.
Expenditure in 200203: $3,862,946
Compared with 200102: $3,394,063Global competitiveness
reduce domestic impediments to competitiveness Resilient Agricultural Systems
analyse agricultural trade policies
analyse markets and product chains
develop regional, national and international agribusiness systems
support the National Food Industry strategy initiative
evaluate policies and institutions develop sustainable production systems Human Capital, Communications and Information Transfer
investigate new and emerging agri-industry systems
research impediments to sustainable agri-industry systems
research management implications of new technologies
underpin development of internationally acceptable certification and quality assurance systems improve information and communication systems, especially internet-based 4.1 Global Competitiveness
develop best-practice models and processes for communication and education
investigate services and social issues affecting rural communities
improve health and safety of farm workers
enhance rural leadership, especially in RIRDC-related industries
fund research scholarships, especially in support of RIRDC-related industries
foster development of policies and institutions in support of RIRDC-related industriesObjective: To identify important impediments to the development of a globally competitive Australian agricultural sector and support research that will lead to options and strategies that will remove these impediments.
Expenditure in 200203: $746,626
Compared with 200102: $648,320Background
International trade liberalisation and the general globalisation of the world economy during the past two decades has meant that all countries have had to focus attention on ensuring their industries are globally competitive.Many studies have highlighted the substantial benefits to the world that can be gained from trade liberalisation. Some have shown that the Australian agricultural sector in particular stands to gain billions of dollars in welfare gains from this process.
As well as being actively involved at an international level, through trade policy changes, for Australia to maximise the gains from globalisation it is crucial to ensure that domestic policies and processes are continually reviewed and effectively adapted.
While evidence of the longer-term gains from globalisation is clear, the processes involved in achieving them can often be complex and difficult to understand. They will, in many cases, present challenges that many businesses and community groups are not familiar with. They also require access to information and business institutional arrangements and practices, which many businesses have not been accustomed to in the past.
RIRDC believes that research can provide improved understanding in many areas, domestically and internationally, that will support the process of globalisation and ensure the benefits from it are maximised and the difficulties associated with the change minimised. It believes the nature of much of the research related to understanding the processes for the change has public good characteristics and therefore will not necessarily be undertaken if left to the private sector.
Key long term strategies
support analyses identifying new opportunities in the marketplace Kkey outputs in 200203
develop collaborative links with the Governments National Food Industry Strategy initiative
develop a research program supporting the development of a more globally focused competitive food sector
support analyses focusing on domestic impediments to industry performance, thereby enhancing export performance and an export culture, particularly in those industries which have had a domestic focus
develop options and strategies improving global competitiveness of the agricultural sector by improving the current set of trade policies and therefore removing existing trade barriers
develop a better understanding of domestic and international markets for agricultural products when there is a clearly established market failure in the provision of such information
support analyses of the linkages between various stages in the producer to consumer chain and identify areas - regionally, domestically and internationally - where these linkages can be better integrated and their efficiency improved
evaluate other existing and alternative policies and institutions affecting the development of a globally competitive agricultural sector collaborated with Supermarket to Asia and other organisations to release a major book (several volumes) which updates information on the potential for resurgence of agribusiness in Asian markets and the implications for Australian businesses Publications in 200203
produced detailed analyses of the organisation and operation of the Japanese agrifood sector and its implications for better Australian access
published a series of trade policy analyses and reports which considered: some key technical considerations in negotiating reduced agricultural tariffs produced a detailed benchmarking analysis of the technology used on the Australian waterfront and its implications for agricultural export industries
an overview of crucial issues for the next WTO round published as Opportunity of a century to liberalise farm trade
provided support for the annual awards for excellence in agribusiness.
02/011 Opening agricultural markets through tariff cuts in the WTO 02/126 Reassessing the political economy of US farm policy 02/164 Japan food market study 02/077 Global competitiveness research in progress and completed projects for 2001/2002 02/116 Benchmarking technology on the Australian waterfront 02/049 Subsistence to Supermarket II: agrifood globalisation and Asia volume II 02/050 Subsistence to Supermarket II: agrifood globalisation and Asia volume IV Research Manager: Dr Jeff Davis
Phone: 02 6272 4152
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: jeff.davis@rirdc.gov.auSome keyperformanceindicators
extent of improvement in export activities by the agricultural sector and associated enterprises
change in national and international policies influencing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector
quality of Australias contribution to international trade consultations and negotiations4.2 Resilient Agricultural SystemsObjective: To enable agricultural production systems that have sufficient diversity, flexibility and robustness to be resilient and respond to challenges and opportunities.
Expenditure in 200203: $906,710
Compared with 200102: $1,016,439Background
Resilient Agricultural Systems sponsors research and development into ways that farm-based agribusiness systems can be made both sustainable and more profitable. The sub-program aims to make agriculture more resilient and at the same time develop commercial opportunities particularly by converting liabilities into assets.As a sub-program of RIRDCs Future Agricultural Systems Program, Resilient Agricultural Systems supports biophysically based systems, thereby complementing the trade and human capital foci of the other two sub-programs.
Over past decades, Australian farmers have responded to declining terms of trade for many rural products by reducing costs and increasing productivity. Yet there are physical and environmental limits to the capacity of Australias natural resources to do so, particularly in drought.
Key long term strategies
continue support for the development of innovative food, fibre and bioenergy production based on application of new technologies, integrated multiple use of resources and the conversion of liabilities into assets by: key outputs in 200203 by supporting trials of aquaculture in inland saline water and seaweed production coordinate with other RDCs and pilot programs to enable the development of EMS that are operationally effective at minimal cost and avoid duplication of audit and certification procedures
the sustainable use of wild plant and animal resources, particularly in the rangelands
considering current regulatory constraints to sustainable farming of wildlife
promote program products to improve adoption and identify opportunities for commercialisation completed a project Farming beyond 2000: Systems theory for sustainable development and food security which describes key emerging theories and principles that will underpin farming systems as they evolve in the 21st century Research Manager: Dr George Wilson
researched Bioplastics Supply Chains - Implications and opportunities for Australian agriculture of biodegradable polymers
produced a handbook on Integrated agri-aquaculture systems
produced a report on the control of Parthenium weed through the use of fire
completed environment management system case studies on: eco-labelling and green marketing, certification and auditing produced a report on commercialisation of Distichlis for rehabilitation of highly saline areas for grain, turf and grazing
market orientated environmental certification for rangeland pastoral industries
organisation of a national approach to EMS R&D
Phone: 02 6281 2160
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email:georgewilson@awt.com.auPublications in 200203
03/026 Integrated wastewater treatment and aquaculture production 03/012 Integrated agri-aquaculture systems 02/154 NyPa Distichlis cultivars: rehabilitation of highly saline areas for forage turf and grain 03/080 Sustainable land leasing in Australia 02/086 Biofertilisers in action Some key performance indicators
identification of new opportunities for enterprise diversity and multiple use of resources This sub-program has its own five-year R&D plan, which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/ras5yr.htm
availability of specific decision support software products by 2003
adoption by agri-industry of procedures such as environment management systems that enhance sustainability4.3 Human Capital, Communications and Information SystemsObjective: To enhance human capital and facilitate innovation in rural industries and communities.
Expenditure in 200203: $2,209,611
Compared with 200102: $1,729,304Background
This sub-program has a strong focus on developing effective, accessible, client-centred information, communication and education systems and processes. It funds underpinning R&D to enhance the capacity of farm managers to identify, acquire and apply the skills and information needed to improve the performance of their farm businesses in terms of profitability and sustainability.The Cooperative Venture for Human Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries is a major new initiative within this sub-program that was developed in 200102 by a number of agencies with an interest in rural industry education and extension. Through implementation of its Business Plan, it aims to provide the R&D basis to ensure an effective rural industries research, education and extension system. It is managed by RIRDC on behalf of DRDC, AFFA Farmbis, MLA, GRDC, SRDC, LWA, MDBC and GWRDC. The Cooperative Venture will be consolidating its R&D program over the next 12 months and will not be soliciting new proposals for 20042005.
The development of safe systems of work on farms is vital to the enhanced well-being and productivity of people in rural industries. The Joint Research Venture in Farm Health and Safety is focussing on developing market incentives for the adoption of Farm Health and Safety. It is managed by RIRDC on behalf of several R&D Corporations, including GRDC, MLA, AWI, CRDC, SRDC, DRDC and HAL.
This sub-program also aims to enhance human capital available to rural industries through research related to social issues in rural communities and households and the provision of scholarships for rural leadership and postgraduate research.
Key long term strategies
develop electronic communication systems with emphasis on responsiveness to farmers needs Key outputs in 200203
further investigate farmer education and training, largely through the cooperative venture for human capacity building
investigate rural social issues and issues relating to rural communities both in towns and on farms
evaluate existing and alternative policies and institutions affecting the development of a more innovative rural sector
support farm occupational health and safety research
develop research and leadership capabilities through postgraduate scholarships and support for the Australian Rural Leadership ProgramInformation and communications systems
produced reports on: Extension education and training case studies of the emergence of e-work in rural Australia
case studies of developing e-commerce supply chains
interactive Internet support for farm- situated learning and planning published a report on Older farmers and retirement Rural communities and social issues
produced a report which identifies how attitudinal factors impact on farm family business performance evaluated the efficacy and outcomes of Heywire, the ABCs Rural Youth Initiative Policies and institutions published a report on the impacts of changing farm business structures on rural communities
produced a report which proposes concrete ways to encourage creativity in agricultural research institutions Farm occupational health and safety (Joint Research Venture) reported on health and safety in the dairy, beef cattle and grains industries Leadership and scholarships State farm health and safety profiles for Queensland and NSW
reported on training resources for farm machinery safety
reported on rural health and safety intervention for the agricultural sector in the South West of WA
produced an external evaluation of the National Farm Injury Data Centre and Project
published a review of farm machinery regulation
awarded two Australian Rural Leadership Program scholarships Publications in 200203 awarded three scholarships
SR/119 Government response to farm poverty 1989-1998 the role of ideas and values in policy making SR/120 Government response to farm poverty 1989-1998 the policy process SR/123 A "pyramid" approach to farm machinery safety 03/032 Agricultural extension, learning and change 02/169 Farm machinery regulatory review 03/001 Evaluation Heywire-The ABC gives rural youth a voice 02/163 Government Response to Farm Poverty 1989/1998 02/104 Towards professional accreditation for advisers and consultants in agriculture, natural resource management and related sectors 02/029 OPTIONS1: costs and benefits of diversification: whole farm case studies 02/056 OPTIONS 2: leaving the land: a study of western division grazing families in transition 02/085 Internet delivery of short courses for farmers: a case study of a course on precision agriculture
(includes CD 02/085)
02/027 The impacts of changing farm business structures on rural communities Research Managers: Dr Roslyn Prinsley & Dr Russell Haines
Phone: 02 6272 4033
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: roslyn.prinsley@rirdc.gov.au or russell.haines@rirdc.gov.auContact for Cooperative Venture for Human Capacity Building :
Mr John McKenzie
Progam Coordinator
Phone: 02 6366 5000
Fax: 02 6366 5142
Email: mckenzj@ix.net.auContact for RIRDC Scholarships:
Mr Claudio Ciuffetelli
General Manager, Business & Finance
Phone: 02 6272 4656
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: claudio.ciuffetelli@rirdc.gov.auContact for Australian Rural Leadership Program:
Mr John Quantrill
Phone: 02 6281 0680
Fax: 02 6285 4676
Email: arlp@iacom.com.auContact for Rural Womens Award:
Ms Edwina Clowes
Phone: 07 5476 1211
Fax: 07 5476 1311
Email: clowesedwina@bigpond.comSome key performance indicators
level of use of the internet and other new information and communication systems by farmers to improve farm management
extent of communication between end users (including farmers) and researchers.
number of better-practice guides issued for farm health and safety
number of new rural leaders trained per year contributing to RIRDC-related industries.
number of research postgraduates per year contributing to RIRDC-related industries
improved industry training and extension opportunities
HUMAN CAPITAL SUB-ACCOUNT ACTUAL Opening Balance Total Revenues Total Expenditure Surplus/(Deficit) Closing Balance
Next Steps
The key components of RIRDCs agenda for 200304 are itemised in the Annual Operational Plan. The recently completed 2003-08 Corporate Plan and related industry Five Year Plans are also important directional documents.For the year ahead the plan is based on a budget of $24 million. These funds will be directed into the investment and management of some 600 projects across a wide spectrum of rural industries. The funding levels of those projects will be expanded considerably by the contributions in cash or in kind from our research partners and industry stakeholders.
The new 200308 Five Year Plan and associated new program structure is expected to be accompanied by a number of operational and management adjustments in 200304.
These will include:
a more active consideration of research by Advisory Committees and management to achieve the best mix through both submission and commission based selection processesThese broader operational measures will be ongoing and will not detract from the immediate initiatives being undertaken in the 200304 Operational Plan. Such initiatives will address the totality of RIRDC programs designed to cover new industries, established industries and cross sectoral priorities. Some examples of the varied research menu include the following activities:
working with Advisory Committees and research partners to examine the most suitable number of projects in order to improve the critical mass and associated economies and to engage more proactively in research adoption, communication and commercialisation
consideration of more collaborative projects to enhance the critical mass and adoption objectives, including both domestic and international linkages
an increased emphasis on food integrity, and biosecurity in the project range including a new sub-program to meet this important requirement
developing research options with a through chain emphasis and with improved agribusiness and wider non agricultural industry partnerships
participating in collective activities to improve the measurement methodology for R&D adoption as a means of achieving further outcomes reporting developing improved nutrition strategies for mechanical tea harvesting
establishment of environmental management systems for the olive industry
genetic and reproduction improvement in Australian water buffalo
commercial development of export markets for emerging skin industries
anti-cancer properties of Asian crucifers
trees for saltlandcombining conservation with production
wood harvesting for riparian land
development of nutritious long shelf life venison based products for specialist markets
rejuvenation of peppermint crops through establishment of quality nursery stock
benchmarking organic and biodynamic farms by measuring soil fertility, biodiversity and production
alpaca across-herd genetic evaluation to achieve commercially viable fleece production
the anti-oedema and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil: new clinical applications
nutrient and irrigation management of waxflower for quality and yield
biological controls of necrotic enteritis in meat chickens
insecticidal control of small hive beetle
improving rice production and yield potential through plant physiology
management strategies for reducing risk of rhodococcal pneumonia in (horse) studs
fodder quality specification: identifying predictors of preferences between fodders.
understanding and managing the causes of abnormal seedlings in lucerne
geographical indicators and traditional expressions: trade enhancing or trade defeating
quantifying salinity risk from modern agriculture in brigalow landscapes
human capital auditing for farm family learning programs
examination of the drivers of primary producers attitudes towards agricultural biotechnology
 
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Last updated: October 2003
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