Drought Impacts on Cotton Research Funding

The decline in cotton production to its lowest level in 20 years is challenging the industry’s ability to invest in research.

Australian Cotton Growers Research Association outgoing chairman, Hamish Millar, told ACGRA’s annual general meeting that R&D funding was only sustainable due to the prudent fiscal management of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation in establishing a reserve buffer fund in more buoyant seasons.

However, he warned that industry R&D expenditure in 2007 was the lowest for many years, and the current outlook is for little relief on the horizon, with existing and future projects under threat from depleted reserves and diminishing funding.

“Research and Development Corporation’s collectively are under sustained pressure from governments to report better returns on government contributions to the RDC model. As an industry we need to lobby and advocate for the important investment government contributes to industry through R&D, and report positively through the triple bottom line framework.

“The Cotton industry position is that we strongly support the continued investment in the current co-funding arrangements between industry and the Australian Government through the Research and Development Corporations.”

He said the next five years will be an extremely important for the cotton industry, with the termination of the current Cotton Catchment Communities CRC coinciding with the end of the CRDC’s new five-year strategic plan, possible changes in Government and Government policies, an uncertain R&D landscape, and continuing funding issues.

Capitalising on biotechnology advances, retaining equity in research breakthroughs, maintaining best management practice models, and protecting and preserving the industry’s intellectual capital are also issues that will occupy future industry participants and decision makers Hamish Millar said.

One certainty, however, is ACGRA’s commitment to the potential development of the cotton industry in northern Australia through NORCOM, an inclusive industry-based evaluation committee involving growers, researchers and technology and service providers.

“NORCOM will encompass planning for developing service provision, resistance management stewardship, biosecurity preparedness, and importantly strategies for local community and government consultation. The committee will also link closely with researchers in cotton projects in the north,” he said.

He also acknowledged the importance of the biennial ACGRA Cotton Conference in helping to fund ACGRA and research activities. He commended Conference founding members such as Cotton Seed Distributors, and expressed appreciation of the generous financial support provided by the CRDC.

However, the 14th Australian Cotton Conference to be held at the Gold Coast in August 2008 would be the most challenging yet for ACGRA he said.

The new ACGRA chairman is Ben Stephens, Farm Manager, Auscott Narrabri. Ben is currently participating in the Australian Rural Leadership Program (course 13).

Further Information: Ben Stephens 0427 991424