AgriFutures Australia investments are driven by RD&E Plans that address the needs of industries and stakeholders, and ensure our priorities are industry and government driven. Our aim is to deliver research and innovation that aims to give our levy payers real returns, as well as prepare them to thrive into the future.
The goal of the AgriFutures Pasture Seed Program is to support a thriving and collaborative Australian certified temperate pasture seeds industry. To ensure the Program goal is achieved, AgriFutures is seeking research proposals to address the investment priorities within the AgriFutures Pasture Seed Program RD&E Plan 2023-2028.
This Open Call closes at 12pm AEST on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Background
AgriFutures Australia welcomes Preliminary Research Proposals, that address one or more of the strategies within the R&D objectives for the industry and outlined in the AgriFutures Pasture Seed Program RD&E Plan 2023-2028.
Click here to download the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan 2023-2028
The RD&E Plan is structured around three key priority areas:
- Supporting production systems and agronomic advancements
- Developing people
- Connecting the value chain
As a vital component of all animal production systems, the Pasture Seeds Program operates at a strategic level to ensure investments demonstrate robust value for money while achieving timely and appropriate outcomes for the pasture seeds industry.
We also support and encourage proposals that demonstrate collaboration with animal production industries and projects or short-term support for existing and relevant research relevant to the pasture seeds industry objectives.
Proposals must address strategies, consider the justification, be linked to an indicative activity, and deliver on a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) listed within each priority of the RD&E Plan.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed against criteria of equal weighting, including:
- Alignment with AgriFutures Australia and Program research priorities
- Importance and value of the research to industry
- Expected benefits, outcomes and deliverables for industry
- Value for money
- Conceptual soundness, technical feasibility and potential for adoption
- Commercial pathways and potential IP value
- Capability and experience of the Project Lead and Research Organisation.
Proposals should clearly outline:
- Benefits to the pasture seeds industry
- Project objectives, expected outcomes and alignment with R&D objectives
- Who will undertake the work (including statistical analysis and any new staff or students)
- Plans for extension and adoption beyond publications and presentations
- Relevant collaborations and expertise
- Understanding of previous research in this field.
For a full detailed overview of assessment criteria, please refer to the full Open Call document.
Submission Process
Before making a submission
Prior to making a submission, you must ensure that you have completed the Researcher Submission Checklist (located in the full Open Call document, under ‘Part A – Overview of Requirements’) and read the FAQs section below.
Applications for this Open Call for Research must be submitted online using the PRP application in K2.
Existing K2 Users
If you had a previous account in Clarity, you can login using your Clarity username or email address and the initial password K2pass! – you will be prompted to reset this initial password when you login. If at any time you forget your password, you can also reset it via a forgotten password link on the login page.
Existing users – click here to log in to K2
New K2 Users
New users must register for access to the K2 platform in order to create a K2 account before submitting a proposal. Please note the provision of login details may take up to two business days. Usernames and passwords will only be issued while the applicable round is open.
New users – click here to view K2 setup, login and user guides in our Researcher Hub
Please refer to these resources in the first instance, however if you encounter issues with setting up and using K2 contact .
How to make a submission
Respondents will be expected to provide:
- A detailed project plan – including timelines, how the project will be conducted and how this will meet the requirements of the Open Call.
- A detailed budget – attachments may be included.
- Examples of similar work the respondent has completed.
- Capability and relevant experience.
Applications must be submitted via K2 prior to 12pm AEST on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Timeline
Activity |
Date |
Open Call – Preliminary Research Proposal (PRP) applications open |
20 April 2026, 12PM (AEST) |
End of period for questions or requests for information |
20 May 2026, 12PM (AEST) |
Open Call – applications close |
25 May 2026, 12PM (AEST) |
Intended completion date of evaluation of respondents responses by Panel to progress to FRP submissions |
Early June 2026 |
Open Call – Full Research Proposal (FRP) applications open |
22 June 2026, 12PM (AEST) |
Open Call – FRP applications close |
27 July 2026, 12PM (AEST) |
Intended completion date of evaluation of respondents responses |
July – August 2026 |
Negotiations with respondents (if applicable) |
Late August – Early September 2026 |
Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement |
Late September 2026 |
Terms of Reference
AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia (please refer to https://agrifutures.com.au/contracts-and-agreements/). These contracts and agreements set out the terms on which AgriFutures Australia will engage successful applicants to carry out the project.
Applicants must be familiar with the contracts and agreements before submitting a response, and are advised to seek legal advice beforehand.
These contracts and agreements have been developed to reflect AgriFutures Australia’s statutory and other procurement responsibilities.
If you require any amendments to the standard agreement please complete the statement of non-compliance for each of the relevant clause. AgriFutures will then assess those requests.
Applicants will be taken to have agreed to all clauses in the Research Agreement that are not referred to in a statement of non-compliance. The extent of any non-compliance will be a factor in AgriFutures Australia’s evaluation of the application.
If you require further information regarding these contracts and agreements please, contact:
Contact
For questions relating to the K2 platform including technical issues, please contact .
For questions about the Open Call, please contact us via email prior to Wednesday, 20 May 2026:
Amy La
Manager, Levied Industries
A response, along with the question, will be posted in the Frequently Asked Questions section below, within 1 business day of receival. Individual responses will not be provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget for this open call?
The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program has an annual budget that is available for RD&E. This open call will consider and may invest in multiple projects in line with the RDE Plan to meet industry priorities. The Annual expenditure for the Pasture Seed program is outlined in the AgriFutures Australia Annual Report.
Can I talk to the Advisory Panel about my proposal?
We kindly request that you do not contact Advisory Panel members to discuss your project proposal ideas or ask them about any of the specific priorities identified in the Open Call.
Can you provide feedback on my proposal idea?
Unfortunately, the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program team and the Advisory Panel members are unable to answer questions directly related to your proposal. We suggest that you examine the RD&E Plan to provide direction on the needs and priorities for industry and conduct appropriate research to determine importance.
Can I collaborate with other research providers or consultants?
Yes, you can submit a collaborative proposal. In fact, we encourage it because it can enhance research outcomes and commercialisation opportunities.
Will my proposal be considered if I do not have an industry partner?
All submitted proposals will be considered. A proposal does not need an industry partner or contribution to be considered. We encourage you to read the industry RD&E Plan and to ensure that your proposal aligns with the needs and priorities of industry.
Click here to download the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan 2023-2028
If I have an industry contributor for my project proposal, do I need to upload a Pledge form?
If you have a financial contributor to your project proposal, it is preferred that a pledge form is included as an attachment to your proposal in K2.
Click here to view K2 setup, login and user guides in our Researcher Hub
My project idea does not seem to fit with the current RD&E priorities in the Open Call. Can I still submit a project?
It is important to identify the specific benefits that might arise from your research and the impact that this may have on industry. The Advisory Panel will consider all research proposals that are submitted; however, this Open Call is seeking to identify proposals that align with the Pasture Seed RD&E Plan.
Click here to download the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan 2023-2028
In the budget, is the contribution from the partner or University required?
If there is any in-kind or cash contributions that will be made to your project, these must also be shown in the budget.
Do I need to provide a CV for each project member for the PRP, or they would be needed for FRP?
You do not need to provide a CV of all project members in the PRP. You are asked to provide the capability and experience of the research organisation in 250 words or less. Please name any additional people that will be involved in the project. If you are asked to submit a Full Research Proposal, the capabilities and experience of all project team members will be required.
Does AgriFutures cover any overhead costs of research organisations?
AgriFutures does not typically accept overheads on projects. As an RDC, our research funds are entirely derived from grower levies and the Australian Government, and the research we fund is for the direct benefit of our rural industries. It is critical that these funds are managed responsibly to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of our industries.
For this reason, AgriFutures applies a strict approach to overheads. Any inclusion of overheads will only be considered through negotiation, with a maximum allowable rate. This must be transparently detailed within the project budget submitted for consideration. Overheads will also form part of AgriFutures’ overall assessment and will be considered alongside value for money, project impact, and alignment with industry priorities as part of the review of project proposals.
By carefully managing indirect costs, AgriFutures ensures that levy payers’ funds are directed toward delivering research with greater impact at a reasonable and sustainable cost.