A NEW report has found that for every $1 invested by Australia’s rural research and development corporations, almost $8 in returns is generated by primary producers over 10 years.

The inaugural Collective Research and Innovation Outcomes 2024 report, prepared by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, reviewed the contributions of all 15 RDCs in research, development, extension, adoption and commercialisation.

Council of Rural RDCs chair Troy Setter said the report highlighted priority areas identified by the Australian Government, including climate and sustainability, biosecurity, trade, First Nations engagement, workforce and digital innovation.

One example is the Weather and Networked Data system, a world-first solution to combat spray drift. 

Developed by the Cotton and Grains RDCs in partnership with Goanna Ag, the network of more than 100 automatic weather stations across Queensland and New South Wales provides real-time data on hazardous temperature inversions.

“To meet Australia’s economy-wide target of net zero by 2050, agriculture, fisheries and forestry must play a leading role,” Mr Setter said. 

Since 2022, there have been 320 projects worth $384 million, focusing on livestock methane, fertiliser emissions, energy efficiency, renewables and sustainability systems.

The Grains RDC has $150M in co-investments, including a $38M project to help growers monitor, manage and report farm emissions.

The report also highlights circular economy initiatives aimed at reducing waste through re-use and recycling, while exports of agricultural, fisheries and forestry products reached $75.6 billion in 2023-24, with 70 per cent sent overseas.

Biosecurity remains a key focus. Farmers spend $3.8B annually controlling pests and lose $1.5B to weeds. 

RDCs are investing in innovation to address these risks and protect Australia’s reputation for clean food and fibre.

The Grains RDC is partnering with five state governments on the $26.7M National Grains Diagnostic and Surveillance Initiative, designed to improve detection of exotic pests and diseases, strengthen surveillance and forecast emerging threats.

Digital innovation is also advancing.

In 2025, the Australian Meat Processor Corporation and Meat & Livestock Australia will launch a major pre-production demonstration of an automated striploin cutting module at JBS Australia’s Brooklyn facility in Victoria. 

The LEAP4Beef program follows earlier lamb automation successes and aims to deliver large-scale, high-throughput processing gains.

Australian Wool Innovation has also invested in shearer and wool handler training, generating an estimated benefit-cost ratio of $6.05, with $14.7M in net benefits.

Mr Setter said the report was a celebration of RDC achievements in 2023-24.

“Our agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries have gone from strength to strength and are recognised as among the best in the world,” he said.

“Their expertise, passion and enthusiasm are fuelling new levels of productivity, sustainability and profitability.”

The full report is available at www.ruralrdc.com.au/resources.