Resolving the biological stock structure of southern ocean crab fisheries

A good understanding of fish stocks is essential to ensure sustainable harvest and reduce risks of overfishing, but this information is lacking for Australian giant crab and giant spider crab fisheries. This project aims to identify key stocks of the crabs and their dispersal pathways across southern Australia, and provide a set of management recommendations that will promote more informed and sustainable fisheries.

Screening Water-Efficient and Climate-Resilient Rice Parental Lines for the Australian Rice Industry

The Australian rice industry uses approximately 50% less water in rice production compared with other rice producing countries across the globe. …

On-line measurement of intramuscular fat in hot lamb carcases

An imaging needle using an established medical technology has established a positive proof-of-concept to measure Intra Muscular Fat (IMF) percentage in an un-cut lamb carcase. Intramuscular fat contributes positively to the juiciness and flavour of lamb and is a useful indicator of eating quality. This project will assist in refining the pre-commercial prototype probe under development, validate the precision and accuracy of IMF measurement and release a prototype device to an early-adopter industry partner.

Developing sesame dehulling processes for Australia

The Australian sesame industry is set to emerge as a major industry for northern Australia on the back of non-shattering …

Identifying new resistance genes for Panama Tropical Race 4

This project will identify new genetic material associated with resistance to the banana disease Panama Tropical Race 4, with the aim of developing a range of molecular markers. These will be used to screen germplasm in international breeding programs to identify lines and varieties that will ultimately be used by Australian banana growers.

Comparison of Australian and international airfreight welfare requirements

This project will identify opportunities to harmonise the requirements of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) and …

Development of a guideline to investigate and understand disease outbreaks of unknown cause

Aquaculture in Australia is growing at around 6% per annum, but new and emerging diseases are a substantial threat to aquatic animal production and aquatic environments, especially as they can affect both wild and farmed populations. It can be challenging to prioritise the need to learn about a new disease and the need to contain or eradicate it, but general principles and approaches apply, and this project is developing a guideline to understand disease outbreaks of unknown cause.

Review of regulation and policy, guiding use of artificial reefs and Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) in Australian waters

Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and artificial reefs are floating and stationary structures in the ocean that attract fish and are used to enhance fisheries. There are concerns that deployment may have negatively impacted operations of some commercial fisheries. This project aims to identify current regulatory and policy frameworks in all Australian jurisdictions that guide or impact the deployment and use of FADs and artificial reefs, investigate current and projected use of the devices, and develop a best practice guide for the planning, sighting and deployment of the structures.

Feedlot Career Development and Training Strategy - cattle transport course

This project will produce seven training modules covering Cattle Transport as part of the Feedlot Career Development and Training Pathway being developed by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Australian Lot Feeders Association (ALFA). ALFA has identified that training in cattle transport is a high priority.

Maintaining cultural practices and building knowledge and capacity to support sustainable fishing of the Gynburra on Narungga Sea Country

This study by Narungga people of the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia sought to improve understanding of the fishery biology and ecology of the culturally significant Gynburra species, also known as Butterfish or Strongfish. The project aims to build the Narungga people's capacity and knowledge to support sustainable fishing of the Gynburra on Narungga Sea Country and extend the findings to the broader community.

An investigation of recreational fishing peak bodies in Western Australia, Victoria and Northern Territory to identify insights into models of success

The Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc. (TARFish) has identified that its current operating model is not sustainable. Through this project TARfish will investigate three successful models of recreational fishing peak bodies - RecFishWest (Western Australia), VRFish (Victoria) and Amateur Fisherman's Association of the Nothern Territory (Northern Territory) - to learn about success factors, risks, and the pathways for future growth planned by each group that will ensure its own survival.

Demonstrating the benefits of building capability and capacity in extension delivery in the vegetable industry

This project focuses on identifying what support extension officers require to help them develop the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective extension to vegetable growers. It will also identify which avenues and networks vegetable growers prefer to use to gain knowledge and skills.

Better understanding viral disinformation impacting Australia’s food and fibre system

In early 2021, Agthentic Advisory, in collaboration with the Institute of the Future, developed a horizon scanning report for AgriFutures Australia, …

Automated visual yield estimation in table grape vineyards

This project will allow producers to build their own business plan to adopt technology. With the help of Australian Table …

Designing the integration of extension into research projects: Tangible pathways to enhance adoption and impact

Researchers are experts in their field, but are not necessarily skilled in encouraging producers and growers to adopt their findings. This project seeks to best understand how to ensure that an adoption pathway is incorporated into the design and delivery of research projects. As a key outcome, researchers and extension officers will be actively engaged in the design of a theory of change to inform the pathways to adoption and impact.

AgTech Ready - McLaren Vale Wine Region

This project will address identified barriers to adoption to drive uptake of AgTech in the region. McLaren Vale Grape Wine …

Clover4bees pilot study

Concerns around access to floral resources for honeybees has resulted in the need to seek alternatives. This project will short-list …

Autonomous detection and deterrent devices for browsing management in forested landscapes

This project will develop and test autonomous surveillance, detection and deterrent mechanisms to assess deer use of heterogenous forested landscapes …

Assessing the practicality of the robot platforms from SwarmFarm Robotics

This project will explore the use of robots to perform vineyard tasks in the Coonawarra region of South Australia, and work with STEM graduates to attract a new labour force to manage this equipment and alleviate the challenges of an ageing human workforce.

National Grapevine Collection Coordinator