The South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT) has announced more than $2.01m in funding for 19 new grain research projects starting this year.
Funding was allocated to research projects designed to increase the profitability and sustainability of the grains industry and which align closely to the South Australian Grain Industry Blueprint.
Among the projects is the introduction of a lead agriculture teacher for SA to encourage a new generation to pursue careers in agriculture, and an investment into developing a high-value noodle wheat market for the state.
Other projects are also supporting early career development with internships, a crop competition and student compendium outlining career pathway opportunities.
SAGIT chairman Max Young said collaborations with the Grains Research and Development Corporation also enabled additional research to be supported.
“We are committed to delivering research results for the benefit of all South Australian growers and we want to support the next generation coming through,” he said.
“It’s always difficult when we have more applications than we have funds to allocate, but we think it demonstrates the enthusiasm and passion there is for agricultural research in SA.
“These new projects will provide some excellent outcomes for growers with a combination of highly technical, agronomic, new technology and educational projects.”
SAGIT is funded by a voluntary grower levy of 30 cents per harvested tonne.
