The Future of Grains R&D in Australia

The Grains Industry is a major and integral component of Australian agriculture and contributes substantially to the Australian economy.  However, there are continuing pressures on growers to retain competitiveness in domestic and global markets. Ensuring sustainable profitability for growers requires on-going attention to enhanced productivity, product quality and marketing, and efficient, cost-effective use of inputs. All this while maintaining the resource base and keeping biotic threats at bay.

Grains R&D in Australia has contributed significantly to total factor productivity increase in the past, but what of the future?  Will Australia be able to take advantage of increasing global demand for grain?  What approach to Grains R&D is needed to support the future growth and positioning of the Australian Grains Industries?

In this presentation I will present a broad-based discussion around these questions and outline the approach being adopted by The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Dr Steve Jefferies AM

Dr Steve Jefferies has more than 32 years of experience working in the Australian grain industry mostly in research management. In July 2016 Steve commenced as Managing Director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). From its inception in 2002 until June 2016, Steve was the CEO of Australian Grain Technologies (AGT), Australia’s largest and market leading wheat breeding company. From 1996 to 2002 Steve was a wheat breeder, barley breeder and Senior Lecturer with the University of Adelaide.  From 1984 to 1996 Steve held several positions in research management and Ministerial liaison in the State Government of South Australia.

Until taking his current position as Managing Director GRDC Steve was also Non-Executive Director of Birchip Cropping Group, Non-Executive Director of Barley Australia, Chairman of the Australian End Point Royalty Steering Committee, member of the Waite Institute Strategic Leadership Committee, and member of the Australian Wheat Quality Classification Council reporting to Wheat Quality Australia and responsible for managing the wheat quality class system in Australia.
In June of 2016 Steve was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s birthday honours list for significant services to primary industries. 

Can't make it? This seminar will be live streamed here. You can also participate in the Q&A either on Twitter by using #QAAFILIVE, or email Seminar Coordinator Hannah Hardy.