New industry development grants of up to $5000 are now available to help drive the honey bee and pollination industry.
Funded by Agrifutures Australia, the grants seek to expand industry knowledge and skills to secure the industry's future.
The advisory panel is looking for applications to support business and industry development, personal development within the industry, seed funding to explore a research problem and/or travel grants.
Applications also must address one or more strategies outlined in the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation's five year honey bee and pollination research development and extension plan, such as:
- Increasing productivity and profitability of beekeepers.
- Reducing the incidence and impact of pests and diseases.
- Increasing understanding of the role of flora in honey bee management.
- Understanding the role of pollination in productive systems.
- And promoting extension, communication and capacity building.
Agrifutures Australia research manager Annelies McGaw said the grant program had been introduced to help move the industry forward during challenging times.
"It's been a tough few years for the industry," she said.
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"While research and development will play a role in rebuilding the industry, participation and innovation are key to ensure the profitability and sustainability of the industry.
"Ultimately applicants must clearly demonstrate a strong benefit for the industry at large and not just to one organisation or individual."
Applications close at 12pm on Thursday, August 13. To apply, click here.
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