Grains Research Development Corporation

About GRDC

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) invests in research, development, and extension (RD&E) to drive the discovery, development and delivery of innovation to enhance the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers and benefit the industry and the wider community.  With its partners, GRDC provides improved crop varieties, advanced farming practices, cutting-edge technologies, enhanced capabilities and more.

To maximise the impact of every dollar invested on behalf of growers and the Australian people, GRDC partners with the brightest and most creative minds – locally, nationally and internationally. 

GRDC offers avenues for collaboration and funding through programs like GrainInnovate, which invests in early-stage ventures. These investments bring start-ups with unique innovations, new capabilities, passion and purpose to the grains industry.  

Areas of interest for GRDC include:  

• Crop protection: Developing and implementing strategies to protect crops from pests and diseases.
• Yield improvement: Researching methods to increase crop yields and stability.
• Sustainable farming practices: Promoting practices that enhance environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

Funding

• Funded through levies paid by grain growers on the sale of 25 crop types, and
• R&D matching is provided by the Australian Government through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Strategic priorities

GRDC invests in research and projects that align with their strategic priorities and annual operating plan. These priorities are listed above and outlined in the GRDC Research, Development & Extension Plan 2023 – 2028.

1. Harness existing potential: Growers hit yield & profit targets, across every paddock, every season. Focus areas include biosecurity, weed, pest & disease control, optimising crop nutrition, improved soils and systems integration for reliable profit.
2. Reach new frontiers: Productivity of crops exceeds what we thought possible. Focus areas include step-changes in water and soil productivity, unlocking plant potential and transforming efficiency of input use.
3. Grow markets & capture value: Growers have access to a diversity of markets and get more for the crop. Focus areas include access to a diversity of markets, value adding to increase margins and lower post-farm gate costs.
4. Thrive for future generations: Australia’s grains industry remains a global leader in sustainability, for people, the planet and our long-term ability to farm. Focus areas include sustainable production systems, supporting communities, and social licenses.