The pilot event on March 8 and 9 included a broad cross-section of WA grains industry representatives including growers, researchers and consultants, together with members of GRDC’s western regional panel and GRDC staff.

GRDC western panel chairman Neil Young said the trial forum, facilitated by consultant Bevan Bessen, provided a structured feedback process between the GRDC western panel and the broader grain growing industry.

“The forum was aimed at establishing a strong link between what the industry wants and future RD&E projects,” Mr Young said.

“It is intended the event will be followed by a series of regional forums over the next three years.”

Mr Young said participants at the forum had a three to five year focus, identifying RD&E outcomes and activities needed to achieve a preferred future for the Australian grains industry.

“By the end of the workshop, participants generated an RD&E priority list for consideration by the western panel, as input to the 2011-12 investment cycle,” he said.

Mr Young said the pilot forum was part of the GRDC’s ongoing aim to support effective competition by Australian grain growers through enhanced profitability and sustainability.

“The GRDC and western panel are addressing the challenges facing growers by continually assessing the performance of GRDC programs and projects,” he said.

“Western panel members are selected because of their intimate connections with the WA grains industry and it is their role to be aware of current issues.

“Critical times for reassessing research priorities are when the panel approves actual expenditure in March each year, and then again when it agrees on forecast expenditure in July.

“In addition to the pilot industry consultation forum, the priorities of WA grain growers are identified through consultation meetings held with grower organisations such as the WA Farmers Federation, Pastoralists and Graziers Association and WA Grains Group, grower groups, as well as individual grain growers.”