Eighteen new research officer positions will be created in key cropping locations across the state. Mr Joyce said that strong R&D underpinned agricultural productivity growth.

“I recognise that R&D is a key driver for industry and farmgate profitability, which is why the Australian Government has committed $5.2 million to this initiative through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)," Mr Joyce said. 

“Investment in R&D is one way we can help to build resilience and improve long-term farm sustainability through developing new varieties, better disease, pest and weed management, better crop nutrition and other new developments.” Ms Hodgkinson said the positions will be spread across the State, including at Tamworth and Narrabri, Wagga Wagga, Yanco and Trangie. 

“Ongoing investment in R&D is crucial to driving continued productivity growth, which is why the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is facilitating more than 1000 active R&D projects, worth more than $100 million,” Ms Hodgkinson said. 

“The agreement allows for 18 research officer positions on three-year terms to be recruited during the five-year life of the project.

“The NSW DPI will then provide ongoing salaries for up to 14 of these positions, six in the southern grains region and eight in the northern grains region.”