GRDC seeks southern panel applicants

Applications are open to primary producers, industry stakeholders, scientists and others involved in the agriculture sector to join the GRDC Southern Region Panel.

The regional panels provide a critical link between growers, the research community and the GRDC and play an important advisory and strategic role helping to guide GRDC investments across the research, development and extension spectrum.

Successful applicants will take up the part-time positions from September 1 and appointments will be for two years.

GRDC managing director Steve Jefferies said the regional panel system helped ensure GRDC's RD&E investments delivered gains in profitability to Australian grain growers by assisting to draw out and prioritise local, regional and national grains industry issues.

"The GRDC's primary focus is improving grower profitability and we all know there are many factors, both on and off farm, that influence growers' returns," Dr Jefferies said.

"The regional panels play an important role in sourcing feedback from growers and industry about regional production constraints, as well as opportunities, and bringing that information back to GRDC to help guide investment direction.

"Diversity within these panels is an integral part of the system's success so each is comprised of primary producers, agribusiness practitioners, scientists and the GRDC's executive managers with provision for other industry experts."

GRDC Southern Region panel chair John Bennett, a mixed farmer at Lawloit in Vic's West Wimmera region, says panel membership is a unique and richly rewarding experience, from multiple perspectives.

"Being a member of the GRDC Southern Panel is a position of privilege - you are a representative of your industry and your peers, and have influence in directing investment in research, development and extension to generate solutions on their behalf," he said.

"The GRDC Regional Panel model delivers industry good. Through a transparent process, it ensures that the interests of growers are well served and that their levies are invested in targeted research that addresses their most important challenges and needs.

"Knowing that you are playing an important role in providing growers with opportunities to grow their profitability is incredibly satisfying.

"The rewards are many - you get to work alongside like-minded people, yet from diverse backgrounds and with a mix of skills and expertise, who are intent on serving the best interests of our growers.

"You are exposed to cutting-edge science, and have the good fortune of meeting people from across Australia and around the world who are leaders in their fields. It's an honourable and fulfilling role to be in."

Mr Bennett strongly encourages people with an interest in primary production from throughout Vic, SA and Tas to consider applying for a panel member position.

An understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with farming systems in the southern region, grains industry knowledge, and good communication skills would be advantageous.

Applications close on April 15.

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