Summary GRDC Local Forums 2017
The series of GRDC Local Forums was a new initiative in the Southern Region which was delivered as part of the GRDC Regional Cropping Solutions Initiative. Six forums were held across the low, medium and high rainfall zones in South Australian and Victoria in June-July 2017.
The objectives of these forums were -
- Explain and promote investment of grower levies in R,D & E to create enduring profitability;
- Promote the role of GRDC Southern Panel and RCSN members and for growers and industry stakeholders to know the local members, GRDC staff and RCS Lead as contacts to raise issues with the GRDC;
- For growers an industry stakeholders to validate existing issues and/or identify other important issues for the GRDC to consider;
- For growers and industry stakeholders to learn about two focus topics and what is being done and learnt as a result of GRDC investment in R,D & E.
The Forum Process
Forums were supported and promoted by Grain Producers Australia, Grain Producers SA, Victorian Farmers Federation, Grain Growers Limited, grower groups and other grower organisations, agricultural retail businesses and media outlets.
Forums were held in two locations in each of the three rainfall zones. At each forum two focus topics were presented to highlight GRDCs investment in regionally relevant issues and to identify future R,D and E needs. GRDC staff presented a snapshot of key GRDC investments which will address important issues for growers in the local areas.
A facilitated process was conducted to ensure all attendees could raise issues important to them and to make comment on issues currently on the RCSN priority list as a result of the February RCSN meeting.