Cowra's Agricultural Research and Advisory Station is set to receive $4.3 million in funding from the state government towards new glasshouse facilities, along with the creation of two new research roles based in Cowra.
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The funding was announced by the Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon. Niall Blair MLC and Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke on Thursday afternoon at the research station.
Ms Cooke said the funding was part of a $50 million investment in the state’s primary industries research stations to help bolster on-farm productivity and protect the $15 billion sector.
“This investment includes a share in $4.3 million towards glasshouse facilities for new grain and pasture research at Cowra,” Ms Cooke said.
“Near on 10 per cent being invested right here in Cowra… it’s the only research station in the Cootamundra electorate.
“Cowra will also share in $6.8 million to improve NSW DPI research facilities, equipment and safety statewide, and $6 million to improve biosecurity emergency management to protect primary industries and our environment.”
Ms Cooke also welcomed the announcement of the two new roles based in Cowra until 2022.
“These positions are funded by the Livestock Productivity Partnership, a collaboration between the NSW DPI, the MLA Donor Company, the University of New England and CSIRO,” Ms Cooke said.
“The two new roles - a research officer and technician focused on perennial cereals - will be based at the Cowra research station until 2022.
“At a time when Cootamundra farmers are dealing with a cold, dry winter it is encouraging to see the NSW Government continue to back our farmers by investing in the future of agriculture.”
Mr Blair said the funding will be a boost for Agriculture Research Stations right across NSW.
“We are one of the best food and fibre producers in the world and we know that there are so many challenges ahead of us. Those challenges are going to be met by our researchers,” Mr Blair said.
He said the funding will benefit future generations.
“The beauty about our Research Stations across NSW is they cover just about every facet of food and fibre production, whether it’s looking at pests and disease management, horticulture, whether it’s in the grains industry or our livestock gains and productivity, it’s all happening at our research stations,” Mr Blair said.
“This is good news for our farmers.”
