The federal government is helping growers ‘cotton on’ to the benefits of better nitrogen use to improve soil quality, crop yields and farm gate returns through a $5.9 million R&D project to be run by the Cotton R&D Corporation (CRDC).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce made the announcement at Dalby this morning and said part of the coalition’s plan for jobs and growth was giving farmers the tools they need and that round two of the Rural Research and Development for Profit Programme would be highly beneficial for cotton growers.
“Those who work the land already know their soils are their greatest asset, and are always looking for ways to protect and improve it so they get greater returns for their efforts,” Mr Joyce said.
“This project will give us important information on how best to use fertilisers to address specific crop requirements and, in turn, increase profits for growers.
“The research will have wide-ranging benefits for a range of industries – notably cotton – but also the dairy, sugar and horticulture sectors. It will also underline the fact that farmers are at the frontline in looking after our country, reducing fertiliser leaching or run-off into creeks and rivers.
“In the spirit of getting the best bang for everyone’s buck, the grant will be matched by more than $9.7 million in cash and in-kind contributions by CRDC and its partner organisations.”
Minister for Regional Development, Fiona Nash said helping farmers get more from their soil could mean more jobs for regional areas.
“As a farmer myself, I know how important it is to get the most out of your soil," Minister Nash said.
“Higher yields mean better returns and this gives farmers the opportunity to expand production and potentially put on more people. The positive effects can flow right through regional economies.”
LNP candidate for Maranoa, David Littleproud said the cotton industry has an integral role in the Maranoa economy.
“Cotton delivers for the region not only at a farm gate level, but also through direct and indirect employment in our local communities,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This is an incredibly important announcement for this area, because investment in research and development adds to our farmers’ bottom line and ultimately strengthens our broader region’s economic future.”
CRDC executive director Bruce Finney said optimising nitrogen is essential for maximising yield and profit – be it in cotton, dairy, horticulture or sugar.
“Too little nitrogen will reduce yield potential, while too much can impact growers’ profitability through increased costs and crop related problems. Too much nitrogen can also result in greenhouse gas emissions and add to our carbon footprints,” he said.
“As a result, CRDC and our fellow RDCs and research partners have collaborated on this project, which is designed to enhance the use of nitrogen in our intensive cropping and pasture systems – improving the profitability, and sustainability, of our collective industries.”
Mr Joyce said the coalition was investing $52 million for R&D grants in round two of the program, which emphasises access to cutting-edge research, technology, products and processes so they remain world-class.
“Having a special focus on advanced technology, biosecurity, soil, water and managing natural resources, as well as promoting industry and on-farm adoption of R&D, gives producers the best shot at ensuring they get the best results at the farm gate,” he said.
More than $78 million in R&D for Profit programme initiatives have been funded so far, with the coalition investing a further $100 million as part of the $4 billion Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper to extend the programme to 2021-22.
Funding goes to RDCs, who partner with one or more research agencies, universities, funding bodies, businesses, producer groups, or not-for-profit organisations on projects that will deliver real benefits on the farm.
For more information, visit agriculture.gov.au/rd4profit
