Sponsorship - Grower and advisor study tours

Request for Applications

Sponsorship - Grower and advisor study tours

Background

We are passionate about the Australian grains industry and recognise the value in grower, researcher and industry engagement.

A well planned study tour can provide lessons on issues relevant to participants and accelerate the uptake of research and development (R&D) outputs. Ultimately, improving the profitability and sustainability of grain growing operations.

Tour organisers seeking sponsorship from GRDC will need to demonstrate in their application how sponsorship will:

deliver value for GRDC and the broader Australian grains industry and community
promote innovation in grains RD&E
value-add or complement existing GRDC activities.

For more information, visit the Sponsorship page.

Start Date

Monday 4th March 2024

Closing Time

Monday 3rd June 2024 5pm

Document Contact and Enquiries

Attention: Mark Waterhouse
Grains Research and Development Corporation
Email: tenders@grdc.com.au

Applying

Applications should be submitted via the Grains Investment Portal. Applications will be assessed quarterly or as needed.

If your planned travel is within eight (8) weeks then please contact GRDC before applying.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is a statutory corporation established under the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989. It is subject to accountability and reporting obligations set out in the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. It is responsible for planning, investing in and overseeing research and development, and delivering improvements in production, sustainability and profitability across the Australian grains industry.

Requirements

Evaluation Criteria

1. Purpose of proposed travel.

A clearly identified learning objective that demonstrates understanding of current research and includes what the proposed area/s of learning will be.

2. Study tour details.

The proposed itinerary, specialist expertise to be engaged, how tour might leverage GRDC’s research investments, and the makeup of tour participants (GRDC is more likely to support groups where the majority of tour participants are growers or involved in farm management).

3. Scope and benefit of impact.

Expected impact of the travel on practice change on farm or benefits to the Australian grains industry, how learnings will be disseminated.

4. Alignment with GRDC strategy.

Our strategy is informed by the priorities of growers and industry, we need to understand where the tour fits in with the strategy, and if not what the reasons are for this. More information can be found on our website or RD&E Plan.

Consideration will also be given to:

Value for money. At least 50% of the total travel costs should be contributed by participants/tour organiser's
Regional representation to ensure equity in opportunity, support, and benefit across each of GRDC’s regions.
Makeup of tour group i.e. number of grain growers, advisers and the diversity of tour group.

Tips and additional information

Consider the risks associated with undertaking travel, take steps to mitigate these, and ensure tour participants and those they are proposing to visit are comfortable with the arrangements prior to applying.

GRDC support may be reconsidered where circumstances change and the activities or purpose of the tour are significantly different to what was described in the application.

Talk to leading researchers or growers in other regions implementing best practice to help shape your tour. We will help facilitate discussions if we can.

It is a system requirement that there is a closing date and time for applications in the Grains Investment Portal (GIP). However, we will reopen the GIP for subsequent applications shortly after each advertised closing date.

Plan ahead. Organisers whose travel is planned within 8 weeks (of application) should contact GRDC to discuss prior to applying.

Growers may apply for support to bring a researcher or expert to speak to local growers on a particular topic. We will consider these applications where it is more economical and practical for growers.

Support may also be considered for individual growers on occasion. In this case, applicants would hold leadership positions in the Australian grains industry and the activity must benefit the industry as a whole and support the Capacity and Ability Framework outcomes.

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