Why it's needed

Like most overseas countries, Australian agricultural extension was traditionally delivered by government-funded organisations, such as State departments of agriculture. Over the past 20 years, industry and private services have taken increasing roles in delivering agricultural extension. Currently the extent of private sector involvement in extension varies across industries, depending on product markets, policy settings, regional issues and industry demographics.

The private sector is now a well-used information source for producers, however there is scope to enhance the capability of the private sector in delivering extension. Improving the capacity of private extension service providers will contribute to on-farm productivity gains and profitability.

About Rural R&D for Profit

Stimulating private sector extension in Australian agriculture to increase returns from R&D is supported through funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program.

The Australian Government’s Rural Research and Development (R&D) for Profit program is a $180.5 million competitive grants program.

The program aims to improve farm-gate productivity and profitability and deliver real outcomes for Australian producers through:

• Generating knowledge, technologies, products or processes that benefit primary producers;
• Strengthening pathways to extend the results of rural R&D, including understanding the barriers to adoption; and,
• Establishing and fostering industry and research collaborations that form the basis for ongoing innovation and growth of Australian agriculture.

The project Stimulating private sector extension in Australian agriculture to increase returns from R&D was granted money in the first round of funding approved by the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP.