The GRDC’s $165.4 million R&D investment portfolio is strategically spread to ensure that investments are tackling the areas of greatest priority to Australia’s 21,000 grain growers and resulting in the greatest productivity and profitability gains. The effective investment of the grower levy and government funds enables the GRDC to deliver research, development and extension (RD&E) outcomes to keep the Australian grains industry internationally competitive and profitable. The following sections provide some highlights of GRDC’s achievements in 2013–14, as well as a snapshot of grains industry production. Grains industry production In 2013–14, there were large increases in winter crop production for South Australia and Western Australia, while dry seasonal conditions led to reductions in winter crop production in northern New South Wales and Queensland. Total winter crop production in Australia increased by 17 percent to 44 million tonnes in 2013–14—the second largest winter crop on record. Total grains production in Australia increased by 11 percent to 46.4 million tonnes in from 41.7 million tonnes in 2012–13.The estimated gross value of production was $15.4 billion. Winter crop production in Western Australia, the largest state, increased by 55 percent to a record 17.2 million tonnes, reflecting favourable spring growing conditions in the central and southern parts of the state. In South Australia, winter crop production increased by 31 percent to around 8.6 million tonnes, the third highest level of production on record. Victorian winter crop production increased by 2 percent to 7.1 million tonnes. In contrast, winter crop production declined by 14 percent to 9.3 million tonnes in New South Wales and by 20 percent to 1.6 million tonnes in Queensland. The following production figures were recorded for the major winter crops: wheat production increased by 20 percent to around 27.0 million tonnes barley production increased by 28 percent to 9.5 million tonnes canola production bucked the trend and fell by 12 percent to around 3.5 million tonnes. Overall, summer crop production declined by 35 percent to 1.6 million tonnes. Significantly, as a result of dry conditions, sorghum production fell by 36 percent to around 1.3 million tonnes due to a 17 percent fall in the area planted. GRDC performance The GRDC’s Strategic R&D Plan 2012–17 clearly defines the strategies and expected performance indicators for the organisation. This annual report covers the second year of implementation of the five-year strategic plan.
The GRDC’s $165.4 million R&D investment portfolio is strategically spread to ensure that investments are tackling the areas of greatest priority to Australia’s 21,000 grain growers and resulting in the greatest productivity and profitability gains. The effective investment of the grower levy and government funds enables the GRDC to deliver research, development and extension (RD&E) outcomes to keep the Australian grains industry internationally competitive and profitable. The following sections provide some highlights of GRDC’s achievements in 2013–14, as well as a snapshot of grains industry production. Grains industry production In 2013–14, there were large increases in winter crop production for South Australia and Western Australia, while dry seasonal conditions led to reductions in winter crop production in northern New South Wales and Queensland. Total winter crop production in Australia increased by 17 percent to 44 million tonnes in 2013–14—the second largest winter crop on record. Total grains production in Australia increased by 11 percent to 46.4 million tonnes in from 41.7 million tonnes in 2012–13.The estimated gross value of production was $15.4 billion. Winter crop production in Western Australia, the largest state, increased by 55 percent to a record 17.2 million tonnes, reflecting favourable spring growing conditions in the central and southern parts of the state. In South Australia, winter crop production increased by 31 percent to around 8.6 million tonnes, the third highest level of production on record. Victorian winter crop production increased by 2 percent to 7.1 million tonnes. In contrast, winter crop production declined by 14 percent to 9.3 million tonnes in New South Wales and by 20 percent to 1.6 million tonnes in Queensland. The following production figures were recorded for the major winter crops: wheat production increased by 20 percent to around 27.0 million tonnes barley production increased by 28 percent to 9.5 million tonnes canola production bucked the trend and fell by 12 percent to around 3.5 million tonnes. Overall, summer crop production declined by 35 percent to 1.6 million tonnes. Significantly, as a result of dry conditions, sorghum production fell by 36 percent to around 1.3 million tonnes due to a 17 percent fall in the area planted. GRDC performance The GRDC’s Strategic R&D Plan 2012–17 clearly defines the strategies and expected performance indicators for the organisation. This annual report covers the second year of implementation of the five-year strategic plan.
grdcannualreport2013-14inword.docx