Steps in the investment process

Continuous investment cycle

The GRDC has adopted a continuous investment cycle in order to  improve responsiveness of its RD&E investment portfolio, from planning through to delivery

Our investment process can be summarised in the following stages:

1. Identify investment priorities
   Priorities are identified through consultation with growers, advisors, researchers and other industry stakeholders, and consideration of government research priorities.
2. Investment planning
   Investment priorities are set and budgeting discussed. R&D proposals are developed in preparation for procurement.
3. Procurement
   Proposals are either put to tender, or directly negotiated if a competitive process is deemed inappropriate.
4. Contract projects
   Once the Board has approved high-level budgeting, contractors are formally engaged to conduct R&D projects.
5. Manage and monitor progress
   Milestone, progress and final reports are reviewed. Strategic gaps are identified to inform the next round of investment planning.
6. Outcome reporting
   Project outcomes are communicated to growers and other stakeholders through our publications, events, training programs, products and tools.
7. Evaluation
   R&D investments are evaluated through grower surveys and formal impact assessments of specific projects.

Impact assessment reports

We conduct impact assessments to gauge whether our investments are delivering value for money to grain growers and the wider industry. These assessments measure the economic, environmental and social benefits of our R&D projects.

Bilateral agreements

In addition to the regular investment process, GRDC enters into bilateral agreements with research organisations that are leaders in specific areas. These agreements provide the investment certainty necessary for longer term research in areas of strategic importance to growers.