Australia’s forest growers recognise the need to increase collaborative research, development and extension (RD&E).
The Growers Research Advisory Committee (GRAC) was established in 2017 to facilitate collaborative investment by:
- Identifying forest grower priorities;
- Selecting projects and research providers;
- Program development;
- Monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs; and
- Dissemination of outcomes.
Industry supported three incremental increases to the Forest grower levy over three years from 1 July 2022 and agreed to commit to annual voluntary contributions from FY22 for a rolling three-year period1. Agreement will be sought through the AFPA Growers Chamber in November each year for a further year of contributions.
The GRAC may continue to explore funding models for future RD&E through either voluntary contributions or further increases to the Forest Grower Levy.
FWPA’s Head of Forest Research will facilitate grower input through the GRAC and provide oversight and advice to FWPA regarding the research priorities identified by forest growers.
