Grower Groups
Grower Group Innovation Projects bring together like minded growers to investigate a specific issue and/or new technology and practically apply that concept on farm. The focus of GGIP's is for grower driven research. Grower led research is ground truthed, practical, relevant, credible, profit focussed and has on-ground relevance.
Click on the image for a a list of all projects we are undertaking
GGIP's first began in 2005. Since then a total of 49 projects have been funded (as at December 2008). These projects are located across the sugar industry:
- NSW - 5 groups
- Southern region - 5 groups
- Central region - 20 groups
- Burdekin - 5 groups
- Northern region - 8 groups
- Far north - 6 groups
In July-September each year, SRDC have a call for new GGIP projects. Groups of growers can apply for maximum funding of $80,000 for a 2 year project ($40,000 per year). Previous topics funded include row spacing comparisons, investigating alternative legume crops, utilising compost as an alternative fertiliser source, developing a precision mill mud applicator, and many more. Please search the GGIP projects for an extensive list of past and current projects.
Successful applicants need to undertake on farm trials and/or machinery modifications and report back to SRDC on the results of the project through regular milestone reports. Groups also need to undertake communication activities such as field days, bus trips, media articles etc to promote results throughout the industry.
The purpose of Grower Group Services is to provide support to these GGIP's with the aim of maximising project outcomes and the benefits for the sugar industry.