The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) has extended its cotton, grains and cattle investment program to northern Queensland.
CRCNA CEO Anne Stünzner said the extension of the R&D initiative launched in Western Australia and the Northern Territory in March will see a focus on supporting graziers and farmers on intensified cattle and feed production systems.
“Our Cotton, Grains and Cattle (CGC) Program aims to maximise the productivity of cropping and beef production farming systems, with consideration for the highest-best-use of water and land resources in a long-term, sustainable way,” Ms Stünzner said.
“We’ve spoken to industry to help us identify where the market-driven opportunities are to deliver economic outcomes which have community, environmental and animal welfare benefits.”
“We know there are many private businesses and research organisations interested in working with pastoralists and croppers to help build our farming systems. We want to hear from them and the people on the land who know where research and development is needed.”
The CRCNA’s program is focused on four key themes. These include looking at sustainable, adaptable cropping systems, enhanced cattle production systems enabled by cropping, workforce and skills development and improving water use and quality and environmental compliance.
“We are looking for project ideas which cut-across regions and sectors to deliver integrated solutions which grow the sector and economic opportunities across northern Queensland,” Ms Stünzner said.
The CRCNA’s Cotton, Cattle and Grains program is the organisation’s largest funding round to date, which Ms Stünzner said is a sign of how important the CRC considers this work.
The CGC program will be complemented by other research investment in health service delivery, supply chains, water security and activating the Indigenous Estate, with more than $17 million earmarked for new project collaborations in 2022/23.
Up to four years funding is available for successful proposals.
Expressions of interest for the CGC work are open until 5pm AEST Friday 10 June 2022, with all submissions to be made via the online EOI form.
The CRCNA is funded as part of the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Program.
Media enquiries
Carla Keith, CRCNA General Manager 0499 330 051
