The call is out for research projects that could have an impact for the state's croppers.
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Applications are open for the next round of research and grower group funding through the South Australian Grain Industry Trust.
Of particular interest are projects addressing key priority areas including aquaculture feed, sustainability and spray drift.
SAGIT chair Andrew Barr said SAGIT was unashamedly SA-focused and looked to invest in research with a focus on driving practice change.
"We have an open call for funding, and we encourage innovation from the research community, grower groups and grain industry participants," he said.
"This year, we have highlighted some key priority research areas on issues we feel South Australian growers could benefit from.
"We know many growers felt the impact of frost this harvest, so we'd like to see an extension project on frost research.
"We're also looking to reach those outside the traditional agriculture industry and encourage projects on developing ingredients and a supply chain for a commercial aquaculture feed industry in SA, utilising genetically modified omega 3 canola as a feed source."
Dr Barr encouraged applicants to review current SAGIT projects and the South Australian Grain Industry Blueprint while also considering the key research priorities, detailed on the SAGIT website.
"We know that every dollar must make an impact, so we want to invest in research that delivers direct outcomes on-farm and continues to drive growth in the South Australian grain industry," he said.
On average, SAGIT invests more than $2 million a year in supporting research crucial to advancing SA's multi-billion-dollar grain industry.
The funds are raised through a voluntary contribution from SA growers of 30 cents per tonne of grain delivered, which is currently under review.
"We know how proud South Australian growers are of their ongoing investment in research, development and extension, but the SA grain industry is very different now to when the levy collection system was set up," Dr Barr said.
"The cost of research has surged since 2012 and an uplift in the Grains Industry Research and Development Fund will ensure SAGIT's annual grant call will attract the best and most impactful projects and cover the increases in the costs of undertaking research.
"SAGIT provides a unique opportunity to enable researchers to make a difference to farming practice in this state."
Grain Producers SA and SAGIT will be holding a webinar on the proposed levy changes on Monday, December 18 at 2.30pm.
Further information is available at grainproducerssa.com.au/gif-girdf-reform-proposal.
Funding applications for research projects must be received by Friday, February 2, with applications to be notified in late March.
SAGIT project manager Malcolm Buckby and scientific officer Jenny Davidson are happy to discuss project concepts and plans before submission.
SAGIT also recommends speaking with a statistician prior to applying and designing a trial.
All relevant application guidelines and forms can be found on the SAGIT website at sagit.com.au/funding.
