The scope of projects funded under FtRG was highly variable, incorporating a spectrum of activities including: projects which were specifically targeted to fill known gaps in established research, including further progressing research undertaken as part of previous programmes (for example, the CCRP) projects which delivered blue sky research, exploring new areas and topics which may have the potential to contribute to a reduction in emissions. Programme stakeholders were typically complementary of the spectrum of activities that were funded under FtRG: the progression of existing research through targeted projects was seen as beneficial, having the potential to realise short-term impacts and adoption Targeted projects which expanded on established research were perceived as well aligned with the intent of the programme (seen as filling known gaps in the research) and supporting the identification of practices and technologies. Through these projects, grantees and the department noted that it was possible to progress the development of practices and technologies which had the potential for immediate implementation in practice, potentially leading to emissions reduction in the shorter term. It was noted that targeted research particularly occurred as part of the round one projects, with clear links to the outcomes of the CCRP identified by grantees. blue sky research enabled grantees to progress new and emerging areas of research The inclusion of blue sky research projects (focusing on new and emerging areas) is seen as valuable for the Australian research industry. It was acknowledged that these projects typically have lower potential to contribute to the identification of practices and technologies or result in behavioural changes in the short-term. In most instances, a substantial amount of additional research would be required prior to the identification of a practice or technology which could reduce emissions or increase soil carbon sequestration. The full potential of these projects therefore will not be known for some time. The progression of existing research and projects which focussed on the development of practices and technologies which had the potential for immediate implementation were, not surprisingly, those that were generally judged to be most successful and have the greatest impact. The delivery of these targeted projects was perceived as more closely aligned with the original intent of FtRG, building on existing knowledge and ‘closing gaps’. Research outcomes There is broad consensus that the FtRG programme has resulted in a substantial amount of high quality research which is relevant to Australian industry and agricultural needs. Efforts have been made by the department to ensure that these outcomes are documented, with summary information to be detailed in the upcoming
The scope of projects funded under FtRG was highly variable, incorporating a spectrum of activities including: projects which were specifically targeted to fill known gaps in established research, including further progressing research undertaken as part of previous programmes (for example, the CCRP) projects which delivered blue sky research, exploring new areas and topics which may have the potential to contribute to a reduction in emissions. Programme stakeholders were typically complementary of the spectrum of activities that were funded under FtRG: the progression of existing research through targeted projects was seen as beneficial, having the potential to realise short-term impacts and adoption Targeted projects which expanded on established research were perceived as well aligned with the intent of the programme (seen as filling known gaps in the research) and supporting the identification of practices and technologies. Through these projects, grantees and the department noted that it was possible to progress the development of practices and technologies which had the potential for immediate implementation in practice, potentially leading to emissions reduction in the shorter term. It was noted that targeted research particularly occurred as part of the round one projects, with clear links to the outcomes of the CCRP identified by grantees. blue sky research enabled grantees to progress new and emerging areas of research The inclusion of blue sky research projects (focusing on new and emerging areas) is seen as valuable for the Australian research industry. It was acknowledged that these projects typically have lower potential to contribute to the identification of practices and technologies or result in behavioural changes in the short-term. In most instances, a substantial amount of additional research would be required prior to the identification of a practice or technology which could reduce emissions or increase soil carbon sequestration. The full potential of these projects therefore will not be known for some time. The progression of existing research and projects which focussed on the development of practices and technologies which had the potential for immediate implementation were, not surprisingly, those that were generally judged to be most successful and have the greatest impact. The delivery of these targeted projects was perceived as more closely aligned with the original intent of FtRG, building on existing knowledge and ‘closing gaps’. Research outcomes There is broad consensus that the FtRG programme has resulted in a substantial amount of high quality research which is relevant to Australian industry and agricultural needs. Efforts have been made by the department to ensure that these outcomes are documented, with summary information to be detailed in the upcoming
evaluation-carbon-farming-futures-programme.docx