The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is seeking input from growers to shape investment in 'blue sky' research that could uncover the next game changer for the Australian grains industry.
This engagement will build on the grower-informed priorities captured in the organisation's current, 5-year research, development and extension (RD&E) plan.
In developing the plan, grain growers expressed a strong appetite for RD&E investment to push the frontiers of productivity and profit in areas such as water use efficiency, input use efficiency, soil productivity and to further unlock plant potential.
GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart said GRDC monitored its RD&E portfolio to ensure it matched grower needs and was committed to increasing investment in 'blue sky' research and the next generation of talent to help future proof the industry.
"We are committed to investing in RD&E that supports growers to realise the potential of their current farming systems, but we also understand they want us to invest in new ambitious, strategic research," he said.
When we consulted for our current RD&E plan, growers told us that they wanted more high risk, high reward investment. Ongoing, grass roots input is critical to help understand what they want to be able to do in the future, that they can't do now to ensure enduring profitability and build upon previous gains.
To further guide investment in 'blue sky' research GRDC is undertaking additional engagement with growers throughout Australia over the next six months. To ensure all growers have an opportunity to be involved GRDC will offer a broad range of ways they can 'have a say'.
The New Frontiers Grainstorm consultation will start with several face-to-face and online events in October, followed by additional engagement opportunities from November through to March 2026.
This consultation will bring together growers, advisers, research partners and industry stakeholders to explore and prioritise opportunities for future RD&E investment.
It will build on insights from GRDC's RD&E Plan 2023-28, which identified opportunities for increased investment in New Frontiers focus areas, to:
- transform efficiency of input use
- step-change in soil and water productivity; and
- unlock plant potential.
Mr Hart said the consultation would help inform the next chapter of Australian grains innovation.
We engage regularly with growers, but are now seeking additional insights to help identify the wicked challenges and goals we should focus on as we work hard with our partners, growers and industry to deliver the next wave of breakthroughs.
The events will bring together innovators and thought leaders, providing a forum to share views and 'grainstorm' ideas to identify where to target blue sky research.
Event details:
- Perth, Western Australia: Thursday, 9 October from 10:00am-3:30pm at Murdoch University
- Adelaide, South Australia: Monday, 13 October from 10:00am-3:30pm at Arkaba Hotel
- Bendigo, Victoria: Wednesday, 15 October from 10:00am-3:30pm at All Seasons Bendigo
- Wagga Wagga, New South Wales: Friday, 17 October from 10:00am-3:30pm at Mercure Wagga Wagga
- Online workshop 1: Thursday, 23 October from 7:00pm-8:30pm ACDT
- Online workshop 2: Tuesday, 28 October from 7:00pm-8:30pm AWST
- Dalby, Queensland: Tuesday, 10 February 2026 from 10:00am-3:30pm at Dalby Showgrounds
Additional events are planned for early 2026 to work around growers' on-farm and seasonal activities. Growers, advisers, researchers and industry stakeholders across all states will be offered multiple opportunities to engage in the consultation process until March.
