Young Australians with innovative ideas are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help to improve the competitiveness of our rural industries
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said that the Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is a national program that provides grants for scientific research and work to develop better on-farm technology and practices.

“The awards are open to people aged 18 to 35 who have ideas for projects that will deliver long-term benefits to our agriculture, fisheries, forestry, food and natural resource management industries,” Mr McGauran said, opening the application round for the 2007 Awards.

“This year, there are 18 awards on offer – 10 that are industry-based, as well as one from each State and Territory,” he said.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC ), as a sponsor, encourages applicants with projects that contribute to those industries and areas of research within RIRDC’s portfolio.

These industries include new and emerging industries, like olives, coffee, Asian vegetables and essential oils. Selected established industries, including horses, rice, chicken meat, fodder crops and pasture seeds are also managed by RIRDC. And RIRDC has responsibility for R&D across issues affecting all rural sectors, like farm safety, communications and information technology, trade, farm forestry, organic farming systems and environmental management.

“The awards not only help kick-start the careers of talented young Australians, but deliver long-term benefits to our farmers and rural communities,” Mr McGauran said.

Previous Science and Innovation Award projects include research into parasites affecting farmed crocodiles, a method of using plants to extract precious metals from soil, and developing a specialised export industry from Australian wheaten hay.

“It has the potential to cross traditional agricultural boundaries. The funding provided through this Award allows me to take the work to the next level and puts the project on the path to commercial reality,” said 2006 Award winner for NSW, Dr Andrew Harris.

Michelle Gray received the RIRDC-sponsored award in 2006 for her proposal to research crocodile parasites.

“My goal for the past six years has been to research crocodiles. This award gives me the opportunity to undertake my first real research project and will allow me to further my education in this field,” Ms Gray said.

Applications close on Friday 15 June 2007 and can be submitted online at www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards

Assistance with applying and details about previous winners and projects can be obtained from Kylie Paulsen on (02) 6272 5223 or 0438 630 491.