NORTH West farmers are destined for greener pastures following the announcement of a new $3.4 million research project that will allow more efficient use of phosphorous fertiliser on farms.
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The project was announced by Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton yesterday for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) under Round Two of the Coalition's Rural Research and Development (R&D) for Profit program.
Mr Coulton said the research project aims to cut phosphorus fertiliser use on pastures by around 30 per cent annually and is expected to boost productivity and lift farmgate profits.
“Australian farmers will spend an estimated $2.15 billion on fertiliser over the next year so a 30 per cent saving in phosphorus use would significantly help to constrain production costs and strengthen farm profitability,” Mr Coulton said.
The project seeks to develop pasture systems based on legumes that are highly phosphorus-efficient and increasing farmer’s knowledge about the use of clover cultivars with phosphorus-efficient root traits.
“The research will have a significant impact on phosphorus dependent pasture grazing systems.
“The project will boost our knowledge of pasture systems and give farmers additional tools to improve their fertiliser use efficiency.
Mr Coulton congratulated all organisations participating on the research project with MLA, including the Boggabri grazing group and Purlewaugh branch of NSW Farmers.
“This grant will be matched by more than $4.9 million in cash and in-kind contributions by MLA and its partner organisations,” Mr Coulton said.
Minister Joyce said the Coalition has delivered $52 million in grants under round two of the Rural R&D for Profit program focusing on the areas of advanced technology, biosecurity, soil, water and managing natural resources, as well as promoting industry and on-farm adoption of R&D, to ensure benefits are realised at the farmgate.
Funding for the project has already been budgeted for.