Sharman Stone MP

The Gillard Government’s failure to adequately fund rural and regional research and development (R&D) comes at a time when agriculture can least afford it.

Three important sectors have lost their research funding, namely the Beef Genetics, Cotton Catchment Communities and Forestry cooperative research centres (CRC’s). Compared to other developed countries, Australia’s rates of support for agricultural R&D were some of the lowest in the world. These decisions will see their doors close permanently in June 2012.

“With the global population set to double within 30 years, we need innovation and technology to meet this demand. However Australia has had $33 million ripped away, making it even harder for our primary producers in what is already a very competitive marketplace.

 

“Not only will this abandonment by the Gillard Government place the Australian agricultural sector at a greater global disadvantage, it will see further jobs lost in rural and regional communities.

 

“Considering the world population growth and subsequent need for increased higher quality food production, Ms Gillard’s short term view of agriculture and lack of investment in quality research could not come at a worse time.” Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray said.

“How can we increase and maintain productivity in agriculture while the Gillard Government is trying to rein back its debt and waste by hitting on agriculture?” Sharman Stone said.

 

“The CRC program has consistently benefited the industry, showing strong investment returns and facilitating quality research; research which allows the rural sector to reach higher levels of collaboration, innovation and skill.

 

“I urge the Prime Minister Gillard to restore R&D funding to agriculture and to take a long term view that will benefit primary industries, rather than cutting assistance to alleviate her government’s financial mismanagement.