The State government has announced it'll help fund a business case for a Networked Grains Centre of Excellence, in Horsham.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford has announced a grant of $250,000 towards a business case for the centre, to build on its industry networks.
Ms Pulford said the grains industry in the Wimmera Southern Mallee had a proud history of government and industry partnerships in grains innovation.
“Last year’s Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership identified the Networked Grains Centre of Excellence as a priority – we’ve listened and now we’ve delivered,” Ms Pulford said.
“The business case funding will help create a focal point to connect and attract industry to the region, and will be centred at Horsham’s Grains Innovation Park (GIP).
“There’s no better place for science and innovation for our grains industry than in the Wimmera.”
The Networked Grains Centre of Excellence will be a virtual centre, with a focal point located at the GIP.
GIP was established as a partnership between the Victorian government and industry in 1960.
It provides the local grains industry with access to technology and expertise to support innovation.
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership identified the Networked Grains Centre of Excellence as a priority in 2016.
The State government provided funding in the 2017/2018 budget.
“We’re continuing to invest in our food and fibre producers and in the heart and soul of our grain growing wheatbelt,” Ms Pulford said.
Ms Pulford said enhancing the Centre’s strategic partnerships with a new business model would create an opportunity to attract innovative enterprises and investment into the grains sector.
It would also grow the reputation of Horsham as an internationally recognised innovation centre.
The announcement followed last week’s joint funding deal with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the State government for a renewed five year, $52 million research agreement. Regional Development Victoria and Agriculture Victoria have worked closely with the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership on the terms of reference for a working group.
The business case funding will help create a focal point to connect and attract industry to the region, and will be centred at Horsham’s Grains Innovation Park.
- Jaala Pulford, Victorian Agriculture minister
