The Victorian Government has announced $10.6 million in funding to boost research that will accelerate productivity growth in the grains industry by developing superior varieties and management practices best suited for local conditions.

 

State Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh, said the Government will commit the funding from this year’s State Budget over a four year period.

 

"As a result of this funding commitment, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will undertake new research, development and an extension to significantly enhance the productivity of the grains sector," Mr Walsh said.

 

"Our researchers will develop new grains germplasm to underpin the breeding of varieties better suited to local conditions, superior agronomic packages for cereals, oilseeds and pulses and new soil management options for local production systems.

 

"DPI research to improve soil resilience will deliver tools to help make soils more conducive to sustainable productivity growth.

 

"DPI will also focus research on production in high rainfall zones and develop new extension, training and network programs to build the capacity of growers across the state."

 

The new research targeting productivity in the grains sector is a key element in the Growing Food and Fibre initiative – the Coalition Government's $61.4 million commitment to agriculture.