EPARF and LEADA have both been awarded grants under the Federal Smart Farms programs focused on increasing EP farmers production and profits.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is delighted the Coalition Government continues to invest into rural economies.
“The Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation (EPARF) and the Lower Eyre Agricultural Development Assocation (LEADA) have proven track records in driving agricultural innovation on across the length and breadth of Eyre Peninsula,” he said.
“Agriculture has been a shining light in improving Australia’s bottom line over the last few years and its ability to continue to thrive relies on it staying at the cutting edge of world-wide agricultural technologies.
“LEADA has secured $183,400 to increase the adoption of new techniques combining physical, chemical and plant based interventions to improve soil function.
“Developing new technologies is part of the equation, making sure they are adopted in a timely manner is another and clearly this grant will assist in that area.
“EPARF will use their $99,131 to develp perennial pasture systems across Upper EP and other dryland areas.
“Australian farmers with the benefit of modern science have pushed productivity to new levels to heights that were previously thought impossible, but we also understand that bigger crops are not the only advance we need to be able to compete in the world.
“Improvements in quality and quality assurance and our ability to trace food past its point of production are the marketing advantages we need for the twenty-first centuryis ability. Smart Farming Grants are there to assist in pushing the boundaries.
“Almost $9.25 million in grants have been awarded to 110 projects across the country with four in total to Grey, three on the Eyre Peninsula and one on Yorke Peninsula.
“I am particularly proud of the successful projects in Grey which will go towards helping farmers right across the country,
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 8633 1744
April 10 2019