A new research engine has received an $8 million grant under the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, signalling that a new era of climate-smart farming is on the horizon.
It will bring together 39 research partners, including farming and agri-business communities, as part of a $11.7 million program led by Flinders University and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA).
Program head, Flinders Affiliate Associate Professor, and SARDI Agronomy Program Leader Dr Rhiannon Schilling said that in addition to bringing the farming community together with leading researchers, the program will establish a network of long-term research trials to test applied science and climate-resilient solutions.
“We are bringing together leading South Australian farmers and researchers to develop new solutions to overcome future climate challenges,” Affiliate Associate Professor Schilling stated.
“We will test, refine and deliver drought-resilient innovations for dryland broadacre cropping, livestock and mixed farms,” the Professor added.
According to Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling, Flinders University’s research skills and leadership will help establish South Australia’s reputation as a world leader in climate-smart farming.
“This significant grant injection — the largest under the Future Drought Fund — heralds a new era of partnership between Flinders and SARDI,” Professor Stirling said.
“This research partnership will drive the development of solutions to tackle drought preparedness here in South Australia and beyond and Flinders University is excited to be part of this next era of pioneering research,” Professor Stirling continued.
The trial site network in South Australia covers pastoral, low, medium, and high rainfall zones, as well as Discovery Farms and Innovator Sites to help boost research, information exchange, and industry application.
As part of the program, long-term research trials will be conducted on four primary subjects:
- Tailor-made climate-smart grain and feed
- Soil improvement practices to advance soil health
- Use of precision livestock strategies for healthier livestock
- Increasing landscape diversification
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the initiative will use SARDI’s research facilities in Minnipa, Turretfueld. Struan, and Loxton to develop Climate Resilience Discovery Farms.
“Through SARDI, the State Government is excited to collaborate with Flinders University, farmers and other partners to deliver world-class research to advance the sustainability, resilience and prosperity of South Australia’s primary industries,” Minister Scriven stated.
The $8 million Future Drought Fund grant was the maximum amount announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Senator Murray Watt in August 2023.
