THE basis for collecting grain-grower funding for two major industry funds has changed.

As of July 1, levies for the Grain Industry Fund, and Grain Industry Research and Development Fund will be collected as a value-based contribution rather than a flat rate on tonnage sold by each producer.

The contributions will be levied as 0.10 per cent of the farmgate value of grain sold for the GIF, which supports Grain Producers South Australia, and 0.12 per cent for the GIRDF, which supports the South Australian Grain Industry Trust.

GPSA chair John Gladigau said the change would increase overall contributions and was supported by most SA grain producers.

“The new system will allow GPSA and SAGIT to deliver more for SA grain producers,” he said.

“Our purpose is to improve growers’ profitability and sustainability and we need to position the organisation to be well resourced and effective to tackle the industry’s current and emerging issues, adapting to challenges and capturing opportunities for growers,” he said. 

“SA grain producers’ contribution through this system means both GPSA and SAGIT can be well funded to invest in a stronger future for grain advocacy, representation and research, development and extension in this state.” 

SAGIT chair Andy Barr said changes to the GIRDF would provide significant benefits for research.

“This change will mean SAGIT can attract applications for the best and most impactful projects, cover the increased costs of research, and attract additional research dollars to the state through collaboration with other funders,” he said.

Focus on fertilisers and frost

SOUTH Australian Grain Industry Trust will invest $2.6 million in three new projects this year, with the Grains Research and Development Corporation contributing $333,324.

One of the projects will identify appropriate fertiliser strategies for on-row sowing of lentils in saline soils, led by Sam Holmes from Central Ag Solutions.

It will adapt outcomes from Yorke Peninsula and the Mid North to other parts of SA, including the Mallee and Eyre Peninsula, where lentil production has recently expanded.

Another new project, managed by Upper North Farming Systems group, will focus on management strategies for mitigating frost damage and will contribute to the national body of knowledge on this issue.

A third project, led by Trengove Consulting, of Bute, will help growers make the most of phosphorus fertiliser inputs, with a focus on managing spatial variability and long-term strategies.

GRDC senior regional manager south Stephen Loss said SA wheat, barley, canola and pulses made a significant contribution to the national harvest, and research that helped improve their productivity was good for all grain growers.

“GRDC and SAGIT have a shared interest in improving profitability and sustainability for SA growers, so it makes sense for our organisations to combine our resources,” Mr Loss said.

“We have been working together to coordinate our research, development and extension investments for more than 10 years, and have helped deliver significant improvements in a number of farming practices, including management of soils, fertiliser inputs and frost under SA growing conditions.”

SAGIT chair Dr Andrew Barr said GRDC was an important partner.

“GRDC co-investment adds significant leverage to SAGIT funding for projects that target the needs of SA grain growers,” he said.

“It also allows GRDC to extend its research, development and engineering investment in local challenges that often have national relevance, while reducing the risk of research duplication between our organisations.”