The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has launched an initiative to gather input from grain growers across Australia aimed at shaping future investments in innovative research. This initiative, referred to as ‘blue sky’ research, seeks to identify transformative opportunities that could significantly advance the Australian grains industry.
GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart emphasized the importance of engaging with growers to gather insights into the major challenges they face. He stated that while the organization regularly collaborates with the farming community, more input is needed to pinpoint key areas for research and development that could unlock new breakthroughs.
Identifying Future Challenges and Opportunities
The feedback collected will inform the ongoing five-year research, development, and extension (RD&E) plan. During the initial consultations, grain growers expressed a keen interest in investing in RD&E that focuses on enhancing productivity and profitability, particularly in areas such as water use efficiency, input efficiency, and soil productivity.
Hart noted that the GRDC continuously evaluates its RD&E portfolio to ensure alignment with grower needs. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to increasing investments in high-risk, high-reward research projects. “We are committed to investing in RD&E that supports growers to realize the potential of their current farming systems,” he explained, “but we also understand they want us to invest in new ambitious, strategic research.”
Growers have indicated a desire for more investments that push the boundaries of current agricultural practices. Hart highlighted the significance of grassroots input to identify what growers aim to achieve in the future, particularly in ways that could enhance profitability and build upon past successes.
Engagement Opportunities Across Australia
To facilitate further engagement, GRDC will host a series of events across various locations in Australia over the next six months. The New Frontiers Grainstorm consultation will commence with face-to-face and online sessions beginning in October, continuing through March 2026.
The initial events will take place in several cities, including:
– Perth, Western Australia: October 9, 2025
– Adelaide, South Australia: October 13, 2025
– Bendigo, Victoria: October 15, 2025
– Wagga Wagga, New South Wales: October 17, 2025
– Dalby, Queensland: February 10, 2026
In addition to these in-person consultations, online workshops will be held on October 23 and October 28, 2025. These gatherings will provide a platform for growers, advisors, research partners, and industry stakeholders to collaborate and prioritize future RD&E investment opportunities.
Hart expressed confidence that this consultation process would guide the next phase of innovation in the Australian grains sector. He stated, “We engage regularly with growers, but are now seeking additional insights to help identify the major challenges and goals we should focus on.”
As the GRDC prepares to facilitate these discussions, it is committed to ensuring that all growers have ample opportunity to contribute. The organization will offer multiple avenues for input, recognizing the diverse needs and schedules of the farming community.
More information about the New Frontiers Grainstorm events and how growers can participate will be available on the GRDC website. For direct contributions, stakeholders can also reach out via email at [email protected].
In its role as a key player in agricultural research, the GRDC aims to foster enduring profitability for grain growers throughout Australia, ensuring that the industry remains resilient and innovative in the face of future challenges.
