Funding is available for biosecurity research and development grants to protect and enhance Western Australia’s cattle industry. The Cattle Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) grants, underpinned by WA cattle producers’ contributions, are designed to benefit the whole industry.
Applications are now open for small grants of up $50,000 per year and large grants of up to $150,000 per year for up to three years. Community, industry and producer groups, science and not-for-profit organisations, government, academia, and education institutions, as well as university research candidates are encouraged to apply.
Cattle IFS Management Committee chair Debbie Dowden said the investment would reinforce measures to protect the State’s cattle herd from the threat of exotic pests and diseases. “The Cattle IFS is keen to encourage innovative research that seeks to increase the productivity and profitability of the WA cattle industry,” she said. “This includes – but is not limited to – helping develop sustainable industry practices, promoting market success, enhancing industry capability and improving cattle health.”
Research and development applications can also include pilot studies and proof of concept projects. “Past recipients have studied bovine theileriosis, which causes severe anaemia in dairy and beef herds, examined detection measures for the organism that causes Johne’s disease and assessed the impacts of grazing oestrogenic clovers on cattle fertility,” Ms Dowden said. “I encourage anyone with an interest in pursuing research that will generate a benefit to the WA beef and dairy industry to apply for a grant, which could leave a lasting legacy to the WA cattle industry and its contribution to the WA economy.”
For more information and to make an application visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/CIFS-research-development-grants.
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