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Investing in R&D with RIRDC
Diversity in 2006-07
RIRDC is a statutory authority in unique partnership with the Australian Government and rural industries to invest in R&D. This partnership includes:
Australian Government matching of industry contributions to rural R&D dollar-for-dollar up to 0.5% of gross value of production
industry involvement from planning to adoption of R&D.
In 2006-07 RIRDC's operational program consisted of three portfolios-;New Industries, Established Industries and National Rural Issues. These portfolios invested in research and development in 22 programs areas. RIRDC consulted with its expert R&D Advisory Committees to set the year's program research priorites which are based on industry five-year R&D plans. These plans are available on our website at www.rirdc.gov.au/business
Program Highlights
Key Research Outcomes in 2006-07
New Plants Products
A survey of Australian olive cultivars to determine compliance to international standards (Project DAN-239A)RIRDC collaborated with the Australian Olive Association and the NSW Department of Primary Industries to design and publish The Natural Chemistry of Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil which depicts a complete analysis of Australian extra virgin olive oil. This booklet is in high demand by stakeholders in the international regulatory trade environment.
The research discussed in the booklet has assisted the Australian Government and Codex Australia in ongoing efforts to ensure that international quality standards for olive oils adequately reflects natural variability and allows high quality Australian oils to be traded around the world. The booklet has been instrumental in assisting Australian companies to gain international market access.
New Animal Products
Commercial development of export markets for emerging skin industries (Project DAQ-312A)RIRDC's research and collaboration with Italian processing and product marketing enterprises has increased export income for skins and delivered alternative European trading opportunities for Australian crocodile producers.
Asian Foods
Daikon, a promising anti-cancer vegetable (Project DAQ-342A)Some vegetables contain glucosinolate which can break down into a beneficial anti-cancer substance called isothiocyanate, when consumed. Glucosinolates, and their isothocyanate derivatives, are linked to lower incidence of cancers (e.g. colorectal). RIRDC research shows that white radish (daikon) sprouts are much higher in glucosinolates than mature vegetables. They have potentially -5 times the anti-cancer potency of broccoli sprouts. This research demonstrates that white radish sprouts do not contain epithiospecifier protein (ESP)-;which is present in broccoli sprouts. ESP interferes with the conversion of glucosinolate to the beneficial anti-cancer substance isothiocyanate.
Essential Oils and Extracts
Developing an internationally competitive saffron industry (Project UT-39A)RIRDC research now enables Australian saffron producers to significantly and consistently improve the quality of saffron so that it is superior to overseas products by using appropriate drying conditions. A waxy solvent extract taken from the waste flower parts of the saffron crop also has potential for value-adding as a new commercial fragrance product.
Alpaca laboratory scouring study (Project ALP-1A)
RIRDC research has improved early processing methods for alpaca fibre scouring procedures. The industry has also benefited from research that has produced recipes to remove greater amounts of dirt, grease and suint-;therefore reducing the costs of scouring and improving topmaking, spinning and colouration in dyeing. Synthetic seeds for clonal propagation of Australian plants (Project KPW-2A)
A new process was released for the large-scale production of somatic embryos for Australian native plant species to be used as synthetic seed analogues to rehabilitate disturbed landscapes and horticulture. This is of benefit to the industry as many desirable Australian plants produce poor quality seeds or seeds that are deeply dormant which can make successful plant establishment difficult and sometimes impossible.
Tea Tree Oil
Breeding and cloning tea tree for greater profitability (Project DAN-199A)The tea tree breeding program demonstrated improved yields of 70% over the industry standard. There is considerable demand by growers for improved seed from the breeding project as it improves profitability.
Pilot avian influenza surveillance program (Project MS056-45)
Since it was first recognised in China in 1997, the spread of avian influenza of the H5N1 subtype, initially through Asia, but more recently through Europe and into the African sub-continent, and its involvement in disease and some fatalities in humans, has focussed the world's attention on this disease. H5N1 avian influenza has never been isolated from commercial poultry flocks in Australia. However, over the past 0 years, Australia has experienced five outbreaks of avian influenza in commercial poultry flocks-;all of these outbreaks having been caused by a totally different virus than the H5N1 type that is the focus of current international attention. On each occasion the outbreak was quickly identified and rapidly responded to, thereby ensuring speedy eradication. In order to provide data to confirm the current true AI status of the Australian poultry industry, and to identify potential risks that could affect the status of the Australian commercial poultry industry in the future, RIRDC supported and managed a national pilot surveillance program to identify whether commercial flocks had been exposed to H5 or H7 avian influenza viruses. As a result of the testing undertaken, Australia's favourable status with respect to significant emergency poultry diseases, including avian influenza, has been confirmed.
Honeybee
High-power ultrasound for control of honey crystallisation (Project UQ-101A)At the present time a heat treatment is applied to re-liquefy naturally crystallised or candied honey before selling, but this treatment can reduce the quality and flavour of honey.
RIRDC research has developed an ultrasound technology to liquefy candied honey that produces a better product for sale at a lower treatment cost. Honey treated with ultrasound is more stable to subsequent crystallisation when stored.
Waterfowl movements in agricultural and natural wetland landscapes (Project USC-34A)
Waterfowl damage to rice crops is a significant problem for the rice industry. RIRDC research examined the movement responses of waterbirds to changes in wetland availability and analysed interactions with landscape structure at local and regional scales in the rice growing region of New South Wales and at broad scales across inland Australia. The results will enable the industry to make predictions about likely damage to rice crops from wildfowl and also demonstrate that efforts to mitigate adverse effects through strategies such as decoy cropping
may only be temporarily effective.
Rattles in horses-;Effects of stud management on ecology of virulent Rhodococcus equi (Projects UM-47A & UM-67A)
RIRDC research has developed a new method to examine horse stud environments for virulent Rhodococcus equi-;commonly referred to as
rattles-;which is a major cause of pneumonia in young foals. The study applied these methods to better understand the factors that increase the risk of developing rhodococcal pneumonia on some farms. Laneways and holding pens were identified as areas on horse studs that exposed foals to the highest risk of developing rhodococcal pneumonia by applying these new methods of detection in air and soil-;it was also found that sandy soils and poor pasture could increase the risk. The study also found that foal to foal transmission of R. equi was possible and measurement of exhaled air of foals could be used as a noninvasive diagnostic test.
Quantifying fodder quality assessments using machine vision (Project USQ-4A)
The Australian fodder industry relies heavily on visual analysis of hay characteristics when assessing hay quality for export and domestic markets. RIRDC research has developed an algorithm to assess hay quality using image analysis technology. This is the first step in developing a fully automated system to enable achievement of major processing efficiencies in the industry's fast-growing export market. This research will assist the industry to improve its international competitiveness through improved quality assurance.
Pasture Sees
Lucerne yellows disease-;Testing and extension of disease management strategies (Project US-131A)Australian Lucerne Yellows disease causes discolouration across the entire foliage and, in turn, reduces seed quality. It is spread by a phytoplasma-;a virus-like organism. RIRDC research assessed disease management strategies and has produced a report and brochure outlining the best disease management options. The study also uncovered first evidence that this phytoplasma can pass from seed to seedling.
The Market Focused Venison Alliance initiative has been the major focus for RIRDC's Deer R&D Program in 2006-07. Strategies to improve supply chain oriented activities related to producers, processors, marketers and value-adders have been identified.
Genetic and reproduction improvements in Australian Water Buffalo (Project DNT-33A)
Established improved database systems to monitor productivity in buffalo meat and milk with expanded volume and a greater range of milk products being commercialised.
Agrofrestry, farm forestry and the joint Agroforestry Program
Realising the revenue potential of environmental plantings under the New South Wales' carbon market (Project CGA-2A)New South Wales has a successful carbon-trading market, which aims to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and offset emissions through planting trees, woody perennials and crops (carbon users). The Australian Government has announced that a national carbon trading scheme (to be implemented by 2011 or 2012) will initially target large industrial emitters such as energy producers and transport. However, farmers will be impacted through changes in fuel prices and in the long term through potential carbon-trading and opportunities to grow‘offsets'. It is estimated that agriculture is responsible for approximately 17% of carbon emissions in Australia. JVAP research addresses the requirements for aggregating multiple small plantings of trees on agricultural land for carbon trading. This research outlines the institutional arrangements and carbon monitoring that will be required. The report has strong interest from regional catchment management authorities and groups informing policy and research.
Environment and Farm Management
This project won the 2007 Banksia Award in the‘Land and Biodiversity'category. The Banksia Awards were established in 1989 to recognise and reward leaders in environmental excellence and sustainability.Biodiversity in a piped rural water system (Project BCG-2A)
In many irrigation areas, replacing open channels with pipes enables greater water use efficiency on farms. However, it can have adverse effects on wildlife and biodiversity. RIRDC's collaboration with the Birchip Cropping Group to evaluate the impact of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline on biodiversity resulted in better management practices to avoid adverse effects.
Research showed that biodiversity levels on farms were higher at sites with open water and in woodlands, with birds providing the best indicators of the relative biodiversity values. Water troughs in woodlands can increase the biodiversity value of a woodland area and significantly maintain biodiversity values at levels comparable with farm dams. The study recommended that establishment of wildlife water troughs is an efficient and cost-effective way of maintaining and enhancing wildlife values on farms in the Wimmera and Mallee within a piped water delivery system.
Rangeland and Wildlife Systems
Sustainable wildlife enterprises trial-;Can the commercial value of wildlife act as an incentive to maintain on-farm conservation values? (Project MDL-1A)
RIRDC and the National Landcare program have partnered to support the Maranoa and District Landcare Association based in Mitchell, southern Queensland to investigate the concept that giving landholders more responsibility and rights over wildlife can be an incentive to use the resource sustainably.
Working with commercial kangaroo processors and university-based researchers, landholders are defining a framework that enables them to share the proceeds of harvested wildlife and increase the quality and reliability of the product.
The Maranoa and District Landcare Association Chairman, Jeff Campbell received the National Landcare Program Individual Landcarer Award and the Association came second in the Alcoa Community Group Award.
Organic Systems
Going Organic-;A conversion package for organic livestock production in the Rangelands of Western New South Wales (Project DAN-188A)This RIRDC publication is for livestock industry producers wishing to convert to organic production and also for producers already involved in the organic industry, but are keen to diversify. It provides a framework for organic conversion and diversification and suggests possible strategies and pathways for moving forward. It was launched by the NSW Minister for Primary Industries at a Sydney butchery-;linking production efforts to the point of sale.
Global Competitiveness
Trade Policy and Developing Countries-;Where to now? (Project CIE-24A)Minister for Trade, the Hon. Warren Truss, MP launched this RIRDC funded research report by Andy Stoeckel, that examines trade policy interests of developing countries and explores options for progressing more liberal trade.
This study shows that we can maximise the benefits of gains in agricultural productivity by levelling the global playing field for Australia's rural sector, and at the same time maximise benefits for developing countries. The publication is useful for trade officials and the NFF to bolster progress in the Doha round of trade talks.
Food Integrity and Biosecurity
Enhanced Biosecurity Planning Tools (Project CPB-3A)RIRDC is conducting an economic analysis for exotic species to examine the impact that an invasive pest species could have on the Australian economy. By assuming no government intervention upon introduction of the pest, the model estimates a ceiling for eradication costs in the event of an actual incursion. This estimate, known as the‘expected invasion impact'varies over time according to the type of organism involved, and the time-frame considered by policy makers. This information will help to build policies that can be used to stop them.
The FIB program's new five-year plan aims to deliver research and development to enable Australia to maintain its ability to deal with the threats that pest, disease and bioterrorism pose to food, crops, livestock and access to national and international markets.
Human Capital, Communications and Information Systems
Review of the Human Capital, Communications and Information Systems Program and evaluation of the benefits of the Farm Health and Safety Joint Venture (Project AGT-11A)
A review of the HCC Program found that research funded through the program has influenced design and adoption of computer-based communications systems, including the internet, influenced social development in rural and regional Australia at a local and federal level, and informed policy and institutional development.
A cost-benefit analysis of the FH&S Joint Venture showed significant returns on investment to the partners. The National Farm Machinery Safety Program has a benefit-cost ratio of 1.8:1, Effective Safe Play Area 55.5:1 and the National Farm Injury Data collection 2.5:1. All industries who participated in the program have received substantial benefit, with the success of projects like the National Farm Machinery Safety Program being measured in terms of decline in death from, for example, tractor roll-over injury.
Impact of Cooperative Venture for Capacity Building Outputs
The Grain and Graze program-;a collaborative investment with MLA, GRDC, AWI, L&WA and thirteen catchment management authorities-;has incorporated five models to deliver capacity building developed by CVCB research into its national and regional extension strategies and activities. Feedback from Grain and Graze attests to the value of the models in guiding program delivery and achieving planned outcomes. To test the outputs of the CVCB, the Cotton RDC is developing a strategy for capacity building in the cotton industry which will draw on the CVCB findings to determine needs and deliver staff development to improve the adoption of R&D in the industry.
 
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