The South Australian Farmers Federation Grains Industry Committee has supported calls from Western Australian grain growers for increased scrutiny, accountability and transparency from the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
"GRDC is the sacred cow of Australian agriculture, but this should not stop us questioning the monopoly provider of R&D funds, particularly as these funds are raised from a tax on production and from general revenue," SAFF Grains chair Michael Schaefer said.
"We are told by GRDC that 3pc productivity gains are made by Australian growers.
"But this includes no till, clay spreading, ripping and mouldboard techniques that have developed from growers and local groups before any GRDC money was put in."
Mr Schaefer said GRDC had "generally arrived at the party late" for such developments.
"The Grains Council of Australia and grower organisations must continually question every thing we do," he said.
"But we must pay extra attention when such a dominant R&D corporation is involved as we all work together for the growth and sustainability of our industry."
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