The AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program is always exploring ways to improve and ensure we are delivering the greatest impact to our industries.
As a result, the Emerging Industries Panel have endorsed a new investment plan for the Program.
The investment plan differs to previous years, as outlined below, but still provides several ways for emerging industries and their stakeholders to be involved in the Program. Our focus remains on supporting emerging industries across Australia, no matter what stage of development.
Within the new structure, funding will be divided between four different streams, each tailored to benefit emerging industries.
Grant Stream
The Grant Stream is targeted at small-medium size businesses who have an idea on how to solve a key industry issue impacting an emerging industry and could deliver it through a ‘non-traditional’ research project. For example, these could include ideas that trial a new technology to address an industry issue or work to reduce an export trade barrier.
Target Industry Stream
In 2021/22, the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program will be targeting the pomegranate, jackfruit, and insect industries for new research investment. These industries have been identified following a review of all current Emerging Industries. Further industries may be added to this list during the 2021/22 financial year.
Within this stream, there will be targeted investment calls, with research topics to be determined through industry engagement and reference to Research, Development and Extension Plans.
Development Stream
In the Development Stream, industries will work with a consultant to develop a compact business case for their industry. Industries will then be able to use this business case to promote their industry and seek investor interest.
Capacity Building
In addition, all stakeholders across emerging industries will have the opportunity to participate in capacity building programs, where relevant and appropriate.
The AgriFutures Emerging Industries team will be conducting a skills audit across emerging industries to identify any gaps. This audit will then be used to inform a tailored capacity building program that will roll out in the first half of 2022.
Open Calls
As a result of the above four opportunities, there will be no open or public call for research offered in the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program for investment in the 2021/22 financial year. The tailored streams and associated activities will offer a high level of engagement that continues to assist up-and-coming rural industries address their barriers to growth.