The South Australian Farmers Federation Grains Industry Committee has expressed concern that cuts in the State Budget could mean less grains research.
“In the State Budget, there is a reduction of $1.7 million in research and development within PIRSA ,” SAFF Grains chair Michael Schaefer said.
“This reduction will mean a large cut to all of SARDI’s programs.
“As the State Budget papers also show more than a 300 per cent increase in the value of field crops, grains R&D should not be cut.
“Through the GRDC levy, growers are already being taxed. With R&D being one of the best investments for this State, the Government also needs to be making a larger contribution, not less.
“Increased research funding would also have other positive spin-offs such as encouraging students to re-consider undertaking agricultural studies at the tertiary level which in turn may hopefully lead to improved courses at such places as the Roseworthy Campus at the University of Adelaide."
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