Farm research needs a big lift
Smarter use of science is key to unlocking growth, says Jan Davis
AUSTRALIA’S top scientists have called on industry and government to back a $100 million private-public fund to fast-track the commercialisation of agricultural research and ensure the sector becomes a $100 billion industry by 2025.
The Australian Academy of Science last week released the Decadal Plan for Agriculture.
According to the researchers, Australia’s agricultural science sector needs to improve collaboration and communication if it is going to play a role in helping farmers meet the big challenges facing the industry in coming years.
Dr Jeremy Burdon, chairman of the academy’s agriculture, fisheries and food committee said “Australian science is undoubtedly world class, we lead the world in many areas; but Australian universities, governments and industry-specific research organisations had often worked in competition with each other, rather than together.”
The plan identifies opportunities to improve efficiencies in the sector by streamlining governance arrangements between Commonwealth, state and territory governments, research agencies and universities.
“There remains a distinct lack of co-ordination of agricultural research and innovation in Australia and a culture of competition over collaboration,” Dr Burdon said.
“The scientific and research community must form stronger partnerships across sectors and industries, focusing on better-integrated global data, modelling and analytical capacities, to better respond to new opportunities and prepare for major threats to agricultural production.”
The report recommends the formation of a central research body to co-ordinate the spending of $550 million of farmer product levies and public funds directed to agricultural research each year.
Supported by public and private equity, the proposed new research translation fund would fast-track investment in the development of applications for the most promising Australian research.
This co-ordinated approach would help boost productivity and profitability, future-proofing Australian farmers against looming shocks like climate variability or major disease outbreaks.
The plan outlines strategies that scientists feel would improve the strength and efficiency of agricultural research in Australia, and increase the ability of governments and producers to maintain productivity and efficiency in the face of evolving natural challenges.
Suggestions include the creation of “digital paddocks” that draw on a range of data sources to optimise planting, water, fertilisers and herbicides for various crops, depending on conditions.
The plan also highlights the importance of maintaining quarantine and biosecurity measures at the highest possible standard, with many farm sectors just a “single outbreak away from catastrophe”.
The report outlines several examples of potential biosecurity risks. Experts have estimated that a single outbreak of foot and mouth disease in sheep or cattle would cost the industry tens of billions of dollars, and knock billions off the value of Australia’s meat and livestock exports.
They also expect that an incursion of varroa mite will inevitably find its way into the country. This will decimate the bee population and devastate cropping industries that rely on bees for pollination of crops.
The report goes on to note that developments in agricultural science continue to be controversial for many in the community.
Dr Burdon said it was vital to “demystify science” if the industry is to maintain the faith and confidence of the community. Researchers and agricultural organisations must therefore do more to communicate and engage with the community about the work they do, and what that means.
The report cited GMO crop technology and chemical uses as issues where better engagement with the public was necessary.
Researchers argue that Australia will fail to maintain its position as a major agricultural nation unless a serious commitment is made to fund targeted innovation.
That’s a sentiment that industry would support.
In an environment where prices are unlikely to rise and costs will inevitably rise, farmers are reliant on efficiency gains to stay in the game. Without significant and effective investments in research, development and extension, they risk falling further and further behind competitors.
And that would be bad news for all Australians.