Project Calls

SRDC currently have a call open for Grower Group Innovation Projects, Scholarships, Capacity Building Projects and Research Projects.

 

Grower Group Innovation Projects

SRDC is calling for applications for Grower Group Innovation Projects (GGIPs) to commence in January 2011. GGIPs are an initiative to help grower groups in the sugar industry to build their capability for innovation, by conducting their own research into more profitable and environmentally sustainable sugarcane farming systems. Groups of any size and at any location in the Australian sugar industry can apply for funding.

Proposals must demonstrate that groups include or have access to appropriate skills to design and conduct a research activity, and to interpret and communicate the results.

SRDC recognises that growers have good ideas and Grower Group Innovation Projects are a way for these ideas to be tested. These projects will also allow growers to trial new research findings and make them work in their own district.

Funding can be used to conduct an R&D project, including related activities such as group coordination and meetings, and accessing support people to enhance group skills and to assist with conduct of the project. Depending on the scope of individual projects, SRDC will provide funding of up to $80,000 per project over terms of up to three years.

SRDC Investment Managers and Grower Group Services are keen to work with you to develop your ideas into a project. Their names and contact details are in the Application Kit, or call SRDC on 07 3210 0495.

Proposals are due to SRDC by Friday 3 September 2010, so act now:

  • Download the Grower Group Innovation Project Application Form and Application Kit below
  • Discuss your project idea with other members of your group, and with Grower Group Services and SRDC.
  • Prepare a draft application and email to others for comment.

Email the completed Application Form to apply@srdc.gov.au by 3 September.

 

GGIP Application Kit

GGIP Application Form

 

Research Projects

SRDC is calling for Expressions of Interest for Research Projects to commence from July 2011. SRDC Executive Director Annette Sugden said, priority will be given to projects which contribute to step changes in sustainable productivity in sugarcane growing, harvesting and/or milling in the following areas:

- Innovation in energy, biomass utilisation and product diversification.
- Reduction in production costs and/or improving the utilisation of capital.
- New and improved sugarcane varieties.
- Improvement in the uptake of new technologies and decision-making tools by industry participants.
- Reduction in exotic biosecurity threats, and improvements in managing endemic pests and weeds, including risks enhanced by climate change.
- Sustainable improvement in productivity in the face of climate variability.

"Successful projects are expected to deliver a positive change to profitability and a high return to industry on research and development investment," Ms Sugden said. 

For information on how to submit an Expression of Interest visit the apply section of SRDC's website, download the application kit, complete the application form and email your full application to SRDC at apply@srdc.gov.au by Friday 13 August 2010.