- $10 million grains project to drive sustainable grain yields in high rainfall areas
- Cook Government supporting WA grain growers with significant research investment
- Four-year project will examine crop rotations and integrated disease management
The Cook Government is investing in research to support grain farmers in Western Australia's high rainfall zone to grow more profitable and sustainable crops.
The $10 million research project with Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will determine the best crop rotations to optimise long-term yields and returns for growers in the State's south.
The Cook Government is contributing $6.8 million to the project, which will be delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in collaboration with GRDC.
DPIRD and GRDC will work closely with the South East Premium Wheat Growers Association and Stirlings to Coast Farmers grower groups throughout the project.
The five-year project will examine a diverse combination of crop rotations and modelling to overcome disease, with a particular focus on legumes, alongside wheat, barley, oats and canola.
Western Australia's high rainfall zone, located between Albany and Esperance, accounts for a major proportion of the State's grain production, with 53 per cent of canola, 40 per cent of oats and 29 per cent of wheat in WA coming from the region.
For more information on the project, visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/crop-rotation-hrz-research
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"This project is another example of the Cook Labor Government's commitment to investing in research and development to support our valuable grains export sector.
"Our long-term partnership with the GRDC continues to deliver benefits to WA's grains industry.
"By working together on solutions to local issues, we are helping WA grain growers to build better businesses and remain internationally competitive."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"The grain industry is an integral part of our local economy, employing people across the region.
"The Cook Labor Government recognises the value of our local grains industry and is supporting local growers by investing in research that will provide direct benefit for their operations.
"After a challenging growing season across WA, this funding is welcome news for Great Southern farmers as they work hard to harvest the season's crop."
