The Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC) is currently calling for new Grower Group Innovation Projects. These projects allow a group of growers to investigate an issue which you believe will make a difference to your farming productivity, sustainability or bottom line. If you have a group of growers interested in trialling a new concept/idea/machinery etc, now is the time to start thinking about it. The project call will close on the 2nd of September 2011.

Who should apply?

A group of any size, from any Australian sugarcane region, can submit an application to attract part or full funding support from SRDC for their research and development project. Proposals must demonstrate that a group has access to appropriate skills to design and conduct a research activity, and to interpret and communicate the results. The group should link with a relevant support person such as an extension officer, productivity officer, researcher etc to gain assistance with their project. Depending on the scope of individual projects, SRDC will provide funding of up to $80,000 per project over a term of up to three years.

Grower Group Services have been contracted by SRDC to assist Grower Group Projects. If you would like assistance putting your concept together and submitting a project application, please contact us on the numbers below.

Examples of past and current Grower Group Projects include: investigating skip row configuration in cane; designing and building a sub-surface compost applicator; investigating WeedSeeker technology for sugarcane; using fibre crops in rotation with cane; investigating precision centre pivot technology and many more. The range and scope of projects funded through the GGIP program is unlimited. Any concept you believe could make a difference to your farming enterprise is valid and will be considered for funding by an industry working party.

If you would like any assistance please call Grower Group Services: Joe Muscat on 0429 377 162; Che Trendell on 0439 588 627 or Chris Aylward on 0408 706 611.

Find the GGIP application kit and GGIP application form here. For more information on the GGIP's or other SRDC funding opportunities eg Research projects, Capacity Building Projects and Scholarships, please click on the following link www.growergroupservices.com.au/opportunities

Good luck,

The Grower Group Services Team