The Productivity and Industry Affairs (PIA) committee have been working hard behind the scenes on behalf of RGA members, the main focus of the committee has been the rice vesting review, the implementation of the R&D Levy increase, transformational change for the future of the rice R&D program and engaging with the National Farmers Federation. For those RGA members who weren’t able to attend the virtual meetings, the main points made in relation to the PIA committee were:
Vesting Review Update
Commencement of the rice vesting review, which was to officially commence on 1 July, has been postponed. The decision to delay was in response to the realignment of the NSW DPI and the Minister’s agriculture portfolio. Over the next few months, the RGA will circulate information to growers about the review and the importance of vesting to the industry. As soon as the Terms of Reference for the review is released, we will embark on a consultation process, which is anticipated to be towards the end of the year. The approach and form of this engagement will be dictated by any COVID-19 related restrictions that may be in place at that time. If you have any questions, comments or motions you’d like to put forward please contact your Branch Central Executive Delegates, Graeme Kruger, Rob Massina or Charleton Glenn.
R&D Levy Increase
The increase in the rice R&D levy to $5.94 per tonne, came into effect 1 July 2020, meaning it will be applied to any rice delivered after this date. It is important for members to be aware that this increase in levy R&D will be applied to enhance the current research projects and industry goals. While in parallel, the correction in the historic underpayment of matched contributions, already reported, will be applied to R&D to achieve transformational change over and above existing programs.
Transformational Change
A scoping study is being funded by AgriFutures to understand how best to make up this ‘lost ground’ and determine what transformational change will look like for the future of the rice program. As a result of a rice industry strategic planning meeting in December 2019 between AgriFutures, SunRice and the RGA the following two outcomes were determined:
1. Scope breeding options to achieve desired targets of increasing the productivity of Reiziq (medium grain), developing a short grain that is resistant to lodging (Koshi quality) and developing a low GI quality grain.
2. Investigating emerging technologies for transformational change in the Australian Rice Industry.
The RGA will also work with the AgriFutures Rice R&D Panel and other industry stakeholders to engage with growers to understand R&D needs and get support for how this money will be applied also determine what growers deem important.
National Farmers Federation (NFF)
As a member, the RGA has been involved in the following:
• Consultation on the Future Drought Fund: First round of funding was announced this week which will see $100 million be made available annually for drought resilience projects. For a full breakdown of the programs listed under the Fund, visit FarmHub.
• Participated in the Fuel Tax Credit (FTC) Alliance to discuss a joint letter to various politicians about the importance of the FTC to primary producers and ensuring that it is maintained.