A project to research, develop and test models for enhancing the capacity of the commercial and private sector in delivering R&D extension services to Australian producers.
This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program.
About the project
Stimulating private sector extension in Australian agriculture to increase returns from R&D is a three-year project to research, develop and test models to build the capacity of the commercial and private sector in delivering R&D extension services to Australian producers.
Led by Dairy Australia, the project is a collaboration involving nine partner organisations – six RDCs (Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Cotton Research & Development Corporation, Sugar Research Australia, Australian Pork Limited, Horticulture Innovation Australia), the Victorian and NSW governments, and the University of Melbourne.
The project is funded by the partners and the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture and Water Resources as part of the Australian Government’s Rural Research and Development for Profit program.
Why it's needed
Like most overseas countries, Australian agricultural extension was traditionally delivered by government-funded organisations, such as State departments of agriculture. Over the past 20 years, industry and private services have taken increasing roles in delivering agricultural extension. Currently the extent of private sector involvement in extension varies across industries, depending on product markets, policy settings, regional issues and industry demographics.
The private sector is now a well-used information source for producers, however there is scope to enhance the capability of the private sector in delivering extension. Improving the capacity of private extension service providers will contribute to on-farm productivity gains and profitability.
Funding
Stimulating private sector extension in Australian agriculture to increase returns from R&D will receive $3.19 million cash and in-kind over three years from nine partner organisations and the Australian Government.
About Rural R&D for Profit
Stimulating private sector extension in Australian agriculture to increase returns from R&D is supported through funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program.
The Australian Government’s Rural Research and Development (R&D) for Profit program is a $180.5 million competitive grants program.
The program aims to improve farm-gate productivity and profitability and deliver real outcomes for Australian producers through:
- Generating knowledge, technologies, products or processes that benefit primary producers;
- Strengthening pathways to extend the results of rural R&D, including understanding the barriers to adoption; and,
- Establishing and fostering industry and research collaborations that form the basis for ongoing innovation and growth of Australian agriculture.
The project Stimulating private sector extension in Australian agriculture to increase returns from R&D was granted money in the first round of funding approved by the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP.
Project activities
The project design and implementation is based on the conceptual framework of Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS). The research approach combines quantitative and qualitative methods (surveys, national and regional focus groups, interviews, participant observation and four action research case studies (trials)). The overarching method is action research to facilitate the collaborative learning between research and development corporations, investors, farmers, and advisers. It includes the peer-reviewed development of eight extension training modules. These activities are supported and guided by an expert panel.
Publications
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- Project factsheet
- Fact sheet - trials
- Fact sheet - forums
- Workshop Paper: Farmers adopting and farmers benefitting from R&D – where are we now?
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report A - Farmer demand
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report B - Adviser supply
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report C - Advisory extension system
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report D - Network analysis
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report E - Professional development of farm advisers
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report G - Trial 1 Processors
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report H - Trial 2 Precision agriculture
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report I - Trial 3 Advisory pathways
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report J - Trial 4 Knowledge
- Privatising Agricultural Extension: Report K - Cross Trial Results
- Extension Trial Symposium summary outcomes report
- Practical Guidelines for Engagement
- Project Key Findings
- Project Case Studies
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- Podcast - Agtech - So What? by Sarah Nolet on Apple Podcasts
- Arresting the decline of farm agricultural extension services @ABCRural