SAGIT funding open

Chairman Michael Treloar said following feedback from farming systems and grower groups, SAGIT had introduced a separate allocation of funding, in addition to its regular research and development stream.

“We know sometimes the cost of engaging a guest speaker can be high, and by the time travel and accommodation costs are factored in, it can be too much for a group with limited resources,” he said.

“At SAGIT, we wanted to help farming systems groups with these types of issues so we’ve set up funding for grants up to a maximum of $3000.”

There will be two rounds of funding for grower groups.

The first round of applications are due by Friday, February 3, and a second round of funding applications will close on Friday, June 30.

Applications for general research and extension projects in the main funding round are for projects which connect science with real-life farming practices that will benefit SA growers.

“SAGIT provides a unique opportunity to enable researchers to make a difference to farming practice in this state,” Mr Treloar said.

“We are eager for this to continue and we encourage anyone with a research proposal to apply for funding. SAGIT is not afraid to consider blue-sky projects or ideas from outside the box.”

SAGIT provides funding in a range of areas from graingrowing, farming systems, soil management, harvesting, grain storage, processing and marketing, with $2.3 million invested in 2016 to new and ongoing projects.

“With growers supporting research through the 30 cents a tonne levy on all grain delivered, SAGIT is responsible for adding value to growers’ bottom lines and the industry as a whole,” Mr Treloar said.

“We want to make their contribution one of the best value research, development and extension investments they can make.”