Agility, innovation and region-specific solutions will expand the focus of the eight Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs around Australia.
Speaking at the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub in Wagga Wagga, federal Nationals Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the agricultural industry will benefit from the $20 million funding boost.
“These hubs are a game-changer for regional Australia, enabling farmers to work together with experts to come up with new solutions that will work for their regions,” Mr Littleproud said.
“And now with a new allocation of grant funding for the hubs, there will be even more opportunity for the hubs to support innovation across the broader agricultural sector.
“We know that conditions in Australia are incredibly diverse. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn’t work for our farmers. For example, the Southern NSW hub here in Wagga Wagga is focussed on water management, food security and farming systems.
“This is helping farmers and communities adopt a long-term perspective on drought by giving them the innovative tools and techniques to build drought-resilient businesses.
“The additional funding creates new opportunities to provide solutions to a broader set of challenges in our regions.
“I encourage producers, researchers, investors, technology developers to work with hubs to drive innovation and digital technology uptake supporting our agricultural industry to modernise, improve and innovate.”
Nationals Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Southern NSW hub would drive innovation and expertise to ensure Riverina and Central West farmers can continue to prosper.
“Riverina and Central West primary producers contribute mightily to the nation’s economy and the Southern NSW Hub will help to ensure our farmers have the resilience to withstand adverse environmental conditions such as droughts and floods, through innovation and expertise,” Mr McCormack said.
“It is so important to have this facility located in the regions where the hub’s research and knowledge will have a direct impact on the ground.”
For more details about the National Agricultural Innovation Agenda visit:
www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/innovation/national-ag-innovation-agenda
For more information about the hubs visit: www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-fooddrought/drought/future-drought-fund/research-adoption-program/adoption-innovation-hubs
