Registrations are now open for the first Future Drought Fund (FDF) Science to Practice Forum.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud said the forum would bring together for the first-time participants in the 8 new Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs across the country.
"The $5 billion FDF provides vital assistance for Australian farms and communities to prepare for the significant economic, social and environmental impacts of inevitable future droughts," Minister Littleproud said.
"The Australian Government has provided $117.3 million for the FDF Research and Adoption Program over four years.
"The Annual Science to Practice forums are a component of this investment, alongside the Adoption and Innovation Hubs, and a soon to open innovation grants process.
"The Program helps farmers, agri-businesses and rural and regional communities build drought resilience through investment into collaborative development, extension, adoption and commercialisation activities.
"An essential part of the Program is the 8 Adoption and Innovation Hubs which provide networks for researchers, primary producers and community groups to work together to enhance drought resilient practices within their focus region.
"The $66 million investment from the Australian Government for the Hubs has leveraged an additional $114 million in co-contributions, with 143 partner organisations and are in more than 40 locations across Australia.
"The Science to Practice Forum will provide an important opportunity for Hub members, including farmers, industry, agribusinesses and communities to connect and collaborate.
"Each hub will present their region's co-design priorities and how they plan to address these issues over the next 4 years.
"The Forum is also an opportunity to contribute to the Research and Adoption Investment Plan that will identify gaps and national priorities for the development and adoption of new drought resilient technologies and practices.
"The Forum is a free event. We want a wide range of voices to be heard at the forum to provide input into what is important to help farmers and communities become more drought resilient. To share knowledge and experience."
"I encourage researchers, farmers, community representatives, agribusiness owners and ag innovators to register now to take part in the Forum at your nearest Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub or online."
