House debates

Tuesday, 4 February 2020

Notices

Agriculture (Question No. 257)

Photo of Rebekha SharkieRebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, in writing, on 25 November 2019:

1. Over the forward estimates, and broken down by financial year: (a) how much agricultural research funding has the Government allocated to regenerative agriculture practices; and (b) what proportion does this comprise of the total Government funding for agricultural research.

2. Has the Government provided financial support to regenerative agriculture trials; if so:

(a) where; and (b) how much per trial.

Photo of David LittleproudDavid Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party, Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management) Share this | | Hansard source

The Minister for Agriculture has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

1. (a) (b)

The Australian Government invests approximately $1.1 billion a year in rural research and development (R&D) through the Research and Development Corporations, Cooperative Research Centres, the CSIRO, universities, R&D Tax incentive and other programs. Funding is invested in research activities in accordance with each recipients identified research priorities and objectives.

Within the Department of Agriculture, funding for regenerative agriculture research, development and extension projects has been provided through competitive grants under the Smart Farms component of the National Landcare Program (made up of Smart Farming Partnerships, Smart Farms Small Grants and Building Landcare Community and Capacity) (Table 1). The National Landcare Program is a key part of the Australian Government's commitment to protect and conserve Australia's water, soil, plants, animals and ecosystems. The program includes a range of measures to support natural resource management, sustainable agriculture and to protect Australia's biodiversity.

Table 1. Funding for regenerative agriculture research, development and extension projects via the Smart Farms program

*Figures have been rounded to nearest whole dollar. Note some programs for 2021-22 and 2022-23 have not allocated funding at this point in time.

#Figures have been rounded to the nearest one decimal place. Proportion calculated based on total funding per financial year available under the National Landcare Program – Smart Farms component.

2. (a) (b)

Government funding to regenerative agricultural research projects has been provided through the Smart Farms component of the National Landcare Program. Over the period of 2018-19 to 2022-23, 62 projects, which include regenerative agriculture practices and demonstration components, have been allocated funding across Australia. The Government contribution to these projects totals $21.2 million (GST excl.).