The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) invests in RD&E for the enduring profitability of Australian grain growers.

GRDC is seeking co-investment for $20 million of targeted research and development investment that will deliver a step change in the genetic gain of Australian grain crops.

This Initiative aims to position Australia as a global leader in advanced breeding technologies through national and international partnerships. There are several ways in which GRDC can invest, including public-private partnerships, commercial deployment arrangements, and joint investments with international funding bodies. While Australian grain growers must be the primary beneficiaries of GRDC investment, benefits can flow to other groups or regions too.

What is the Initiative scope?

The initiative targets Australia’s major grains crops: wheat, barley and canola.

Ideas for investment focus under the Accelerating Genetic Gain Strategic Initiative may fall in the following areas, but are not limited to:

1. Improved predictive breeding to manage genetic complexity. For example, applying crop models, improved imputation methods, optimum contribution selection and evolutionary computing.
2. Creating and using genetic diversity. For example, unlocking the potential of genome editing, improved transformation systems, improved trait introgression, and more effective use of wild relatives for Australian crop improvement.
3. Exploiting heterosis. For example, defining and optimizing heterotic groups for wheat and canola.
4. Developing accelerated breeding systems. For example, platform technologies such as cost-effective doubled haploids, apomixis, improved crossing efficiency and others.

How will it be delivered?

The Accelerating Genetic Gain Strategic Initiative will be delivered through a multi-stage process:

Phase 1 – Global engagement

This phase has closed, opportunities have been identified and refined. Limited tender opportunities released in February 2025 have expected project commencement dates from October 2025

Phase 2 – Expression of interest

The first round of EOIs are closed, with projects expected to commence from July 2025. Additional EOI rounds may be conducted depending on strategic priorities.

Phase 3 – Requests for Tender

GRDC is now inviting applications for the following:

• New technologies for targeted recombination in breeding programs (applications close 22 Sept 2025)
• Development of next-generation breeding technologies (applications close 18 Sept 2025).

Why now?

GRDC has always invested in crop genetic improvement because of its material and strategic importance. This has been achieved through targeted pre-breeding and breeding research, and the deployment of new breeding technologies. Crop improvement continues to be an important focus in GRDC’s new RD&E Plan 2023-28 including increasing investment to assist Australian grain growers to reach new production frontiers.

While GRDC has had success in co-investing with research partners in crop improvement innovation, it is clear that a step change in breeding technologies will be required to deliver further significant increases in yield against a backdrop of climate change, input constraints and increasing market instability.

How can I be involved?

To be notified of future calls under the Accelerating Genetic Gain Strategic Initiative, please subscribe to Current opportunities.