Summary

The Rice Extension Coordination RIRDC PRJ-009296 2014-2017 has been successful in coordinating the effective dissemination of R&D information. Researchers, commercial agronomists, other industry bodies and rice growers have worked together with the Rice Extension team to ensure relevant R&D information was presented in a way that it could be readily understood and practically implemented on farm for improved productivity and sustainability. The extension system provided feedback channels for growers and advisors (public and private) so R&D could be more targeted to maximise RD&E effort.
This new project is to be delivered over three years, from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020, and will maintain the current levy-funded extension system across the rice growing regions. The new extension project will continue to coordinate on ground extension providers and research and development activities. It will also incorporate a number of new initiatives to improve the adoption of best management practice information that incorporates natural resource management. These include utilising all forms of modern delivery methods, exploring new partnerships, and developing the current partnerships with industry bodies for effective across industry extension.
The project will fund the rice industry extension coordinator position; two full-time equivalent extension positions; training and development of emerging industry advisors, and all publications and communication activities.
The project aligns with one of the 2014–15 Rice Program research priorities: ‘Objective 4—Extension, sustainability and human capital.’

Program

Rice

Research Organisation

Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia

Objective Summary

The principle outcome of the project is the uptake of rice industry best management practices and the adoption of new technologies. This will be achieved by meeting the following objectives:
1. Effective and timely dissemination of key R&D information for rice-based farming systems that is easy for growers to understand how to apply on farm through:
• published and electronic materials
• meetings and discussion groups, including ‘farmer to farmer’ extension
• on farm regional demonstrations
• an effective platform for storing and sharing rice R&D information.
2. Effective coordination between relevant public and private sector rice industry providers including: NSW DPI, SunRice, Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd, RGA ECP, NSW Local Land Services, private and retail researchers and agronomists, and other relevant commodity industries and growers.