GRDC seeking panel members

PEOPLE involved in the grains industry on Yorke Peninsula, including growers, agronomists, researchers, and other industry stakeholders are invited to nominate for a position on the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s southern panel.

Applications are now open for positions on GRDC’s three regional panels: southern (South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria), northern (Queensland and New South Wales) and western (Western Australia).

GRDC managing director Nigel Hart said the regional panel system played a pivotal role in ensuring research was delivered for growers today and into the future.

“The regional panels have an important role engaging with and listening to growers, advisers, researchers and industry stakeholders to understand the constraints and opportunities that are influencing farm returns, and bringing that information back to GRDC,” Mr Hart said.

“We are seeking regional panel members with strong connections within the grains sector, an in-depth understanding of the industry and the willingness and time to make a difference when it comes to contributing to Australian RD&E.”

Mr Hart said diversity within the panels was integral to the system’s success, so each comprised grain growers, advisers, researchers, plant breeders, supply chain leaders and other industry experts, and GRDC executives.

“We want broad-minded, innovative applicants with a strong record of collaboration, in particular working with grain growers to understand their production challenges and opportunities, and the ability to communicate effectively,” he said.

GRDC Northern panel member Dr Georgina Pengilley said being involved on a regional panel required a time commitment and knowledge of the grains industry, but the experience and professional development gained were invaluable.

“Being on the panel has given me the opportunity to engage with some of Australia’s most respected researchers, along with some of the industry’s most progressive growers and agronomists,” Dr Pengilley said.

“From an industry perspective it has given me a chance to play a role in working with my fellow panel members and GRDC staff to help ensure grower levies are directed into RD&E that has a meaningful and profitable impact on-farm.”

Applications for the GRDC Regional Panel positions close on April 13. Successful applicants will start the part-time positions from September 1 and appointments will be for two years.

Find out more at grdc.com.au/about/who-we-are/our-structure/panels/southern or email RP2023@grdc.com.au.

Why you should join the panel

GRAINS Research and Development Corporation is responsible for planning, investing in and overseeing research, development and extension to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers.

GRDC is planning to invest between $180 and $200 million on behalf of grain growers this financial year to drive the discovery, development and delivery of cutting-edge innovation to the Australian grains sector and the wider economy.

Its investment portfolio includes more than 650 investments spanning pests, weeds, diseases, agronomy and farming systems through to genetics and new technology.

Regional panels provide a vital link between the broader grains sector and GRDC, and help to identify, prioritise and support RD&E investments that address regional constraints and opportunities impacting on-farm profitability.