The projects are part of the $122m Sustainable Land Use Programme designed to help the agriculture, food and fibres sectors transition to improved land practices.
The research will investigate how to improve the quality, relevance and accessibility of advisory services for farmers and growers.
“Our farmers and growers operate in an ever-changing environment, whether it’s dealing with floods, drought, global influences or market fluctuations,” O’Connor said.
“This can take a toll on their businesses, wellbeing and families and highlights the importance of having access to the right information and support when they need it.
“Equally, we need to ensure professional advisers have the right tools, knowledge and connections to help producers to be productive, profitable and sustainable now and over the long term,” he said.
One project will identify ways to boost levels of engagement between producers and advisory service providers. The other focuses on improving the capability and capacity of the advisory system and looks at training and qualification opportunities.
“Strengthening partnerships is a core part of the new programme.
“We know that quality and effective partnerships between producers, advisers and other industry members are an important part of the farm business.”
The programme also involves identifying and improving training and qualification paths for people who provide advice to farmers and growers, he said.
“This system-wide approach, from this research to training and through to delivery of advisory services and engagement, will help to ensure the programme delivers meaningful and helpful services to our farmers and growers.”
