New R&D Advisory Panel announced for pasture seeds industry

The new Advisory Panel will be chaired by Riverina NSW seed grower, Lisa Anderson. Panel members include Mary-Jane Rogers (Vic), Joe Cook (SA), David Brown (SA) and Brian Field (Tas).

The Australian pasture seeds industry is an important contributor to the productivity of the agricultural sector, notably pasture based livestock industries including beef, sheep and dairy.

Focused on research, development and extension (RD&E), the AgriFutures™ Pasture Seeds Program aims to grow the temperate pasture seeds industry through investment focused on improving seed production and processing efficiencies, promoting sustainability and developing pasture seeds markets.

The new advisory panel has broad experience across research, farming, processing, commercialisation, marketing, extension, agronomy, biosecurity and natural resource management.

AgriFutures Australia Research & Innovation Program Manager, Dr Melanie Bradley, welcomed the new panel and said the mix of experience in the group will ensure the industry is well placed to tackle future challenges and opportunities.

“The first task for the panel will be to define and draft a new Pasture Seeds RD&E Plan which will identify research priorities and set the direction for program investment over the next five years,” said Dr Bradley.

New Advisory Panel Chair, Lisa Anderson brings a wealth of knowledge to the panel as a Riverina seed grower with extensive industry experience and networks.

“I’m a big supporter of research, especially in the field. Adoption of RD&E is key to the industry’s future success and I look forward to working with growers to promote best practice pasture management,” said Ms Anderson.

“With a business background and more than 25 years’ experience as a certified sub-clover grower, I’m excited about bringing a commercial perspective to the industry research and innovation discussions.”

There are approximately 500 growers of temperate pasture seeds in Australia and the total pasture seeds industry gross value of production (GVP) was estimated at $107 million in 2013 – more than 70 per cent of total industry GVP was generated in export markets.

The Australian pasture seeds industry is an established, mature rural industry with a levy in place to support RD&E. AgriFutures™ Pasture Seeds Advisory Panel members are appointed on three year terms and the panel will meet on average three to four times per year to guide research priorities and levy investment. The new advisory panel will meet for the first time on 5 June 2018 in Adelaide.

AgriFutures™ Pasture Seeds Program

Fast Facts

• There are approximately 500 growers of temperate pasture seeds in Australia
• The total pasture seeds industry GVP was estimated at $107 million in 2013
• More than 70 per cent of total pasture seeds industry GVP was generated in export markets