Producers encouraged to have their say on future research priorities
05 October 2023
Grassfed beef and sheepmeat producers with a burning research challenge that needs attention are encouraged to have their say as part of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)’s producer consultation process.
The initiative, which has already funded more than $50 million worth of projects, empowers producers to directly influence the on-farm research, development and adoption (RD&A) activities their levies are invested in.
MLA’s Program Manager for Consultation, Georgie Townsend, said: “MLA's producer consultation process puts producers at the forefront of decision-making regarding the allocation of their levies.
“This process is now open and ensures national and regionally relevant RD&A priorities are identified and that MLA’s investments deliver optimum value to producers.
“For anyone that has a burning research challenge or in their region that needs addressing, now is the time to speak up.”
The producer consultation process starts with producers communicating with one of 19 regional consultation committees throughout Australia.
Regional committees meet up to four times a year and are a vital link to ensure that MLA is hearing what is happening on the ground, helping identify potential gaps where investment in research, development and adoption could provide solutions.
From there, MLA works to identify the scope, impact and scale of research needed to address the priorities.
These independent, producer-driven committees operate under three Research Advisory Councils (RACs):
- North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC)
- Southern Australia Livestock Research Council (SALRC)
- Western Australia Livestock Research Council (WALRC)
“Through the MLA producer consultation process, MLA can ensure that where there is current research or extension activities relevant to that region are being delivered, that we communicate back to these groups,” Ms Townsend said.
“I’d encourage all producers interested to get involved by contacting their local committee. MLA is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative industry that benefits everyone involved, and this process ensures no one misses out on having their say.”
Producers have until 1 December 2023 to provide their input through their local regional advisory committees. For more information go to Producer consultation
