Delivering cutting-edge science to NSW primary producers
18 Aug 2017
Rigorous and industry-aligned scientific research is critical to ensuring the state’s primary producers meet the challenges of increasing competition and environmental uncertainty, according to NSW DPI Chief Scientist Phil Wright.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries is the nation’s largest rural research and development (R&D) provider and is ranked in the top 1 per cent of science institutions globally, in both ‘agricultural science’ and ‘plant and animal science’ categories.
“The emphasis is firmly on delivering cutting-edge, practical information to NSW primary producers, through more than 550 current R&D projects on the go across the state,” Dr Wright said
“Our key focus is making a measurable difference on the ground for our primary producers, while at the same time being linked to some of the best science globally.”
Dr Wright said DPI plays a critical role in bridging the gap between research and application, taking the latest innovations from the lab to the paddock.
“We have staff with deep connections to industry located right across NSW, including rural and regional locations, which makes this translation process all possible,” he said.
“Plus, we have a great spread across the various disciplines of science in DPI, from agronomy and hydrology, through to molecular genetics and computer modelling.”
Despite the large number of current projects, Dr Wright said the department also concentrates on discovering new science and bringing outcome-driven information to NSW producers.
“We undertake extensive scientific scanning, to see what’s coming up in the industry and consider how this can be applied in primary industries through projects, partnerships and investments,” he said.
“This means a continual focus on delivering the cutting-edge findings, to achieve higher productivity, greater competitiveness and improved environmental outcomes for our state.
“Evidence shows that more than half of the productivity gain across primary industries has been derived from research based innovation.
“As we go into a future where we face intense competition and significant environmental uncertainties, the need for research only increases to ensure our primary producers are well placed for the future.”
Media contact: Laura Hutton (02) 6024 8837 or 0427 652 088
