UK insights and big savings on offer at grains event

The impact of Brexit on agriculture in the United Kingdom and Australia will be one of the many topics up for discussion at the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Grains Research Update in Perth next month.

Day one of the event – to be held at Crown Perth on February 24 and 25 – will kick off with a strong focus on how grains research, development and extension is organised in the UK, with keynote presentations from NIAB Crop Science chief executive Tina Barsby and UK agricultural consultant Keith Norman.

NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany) is an internationally recognised organisation known for its innovative research and practical advice to improve crop production across the grain, forage and horticulture industries.

In her address, Dr Barsby will provide insights into the funding and practice of small grain cereal R&D and knowledge exchange in the UK with a focus on who the main players are, how funding works, and how research outcomes reach the grower and lead to on-farm change.

“The funding situation for RD&E in the UK is quite complicated, with no actual ‘reservation’ of funding for the grain industry,” Dr Barsby said.

She will also discuss the UK’s Plant Variety and Seeds Act and its impact on grains in the context of Brexit.

Meanwhile, Mr Norman will discuss cereal production in the UK considering regulation, developments in herbicide and fungicide resistance and climate change.

The two-day Grains Research Update is an important source of agronomic and industry information and resources and includes more than 50 presenters sharing the latest research results and innovations to assist on-farm profitability.

This year, the cost of attending has been reduced to encourage even greater participation from industry and growers.

The maximum price will be $300, for which participants will receive two packed days of information and a key opportunity for interaction between advisers, growers and other industry personnel.

The GRDC Grains Research Update, Perth, will be followed by five regional one-day GRDC Grains Research Update events at the following WA locations:

• Kwinana West Zone, Corrigin Recreation and Events Centre – February 27
• Kwinana East Zone, Merredin Regional Community and Leisure Centre – February 28
• Geraldton Zone, Yuna Community Centre – March 6
• Albany Zone, Jerramungup Sports Centre – March 11
• Esperance Zone, Lake King Hall – March 12.

For more information or to register for the Perth and regional events, visit the GRDC website, or contact convenor the Grain Industry Association of WA (GIWA) on 08 6262 2128 or  visit researchupdates@giwa.org.au.

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