MLA calls for RD&A funding applications for 2017-18

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is calling for individuals, organisations and project teams to submit preliminary proposals for on-farm research, development and adoption (RD&A) projects that benefit sheepmeat and grass-fed beef producers.

The MLA’s annual call is for projects to be conducted over 2017-18.

Preliminary proposals for funding need to address the three RD&A priorities for the sheepmeat and grass-fed beef industries for the coming two years. These are:

• whole-farm breeder productivity systems;
• future feedbase scenarios; and
• profitable and efficient ruminant nutrition.

According to MLA General Manager – Producer Consultation and Adoption, Michael Crowley, the priorities were determined after “extensive consultation” with sheepmeat and grass-fed beef producers.

Sheep feeding on supplemented silage: proposed projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to producers of Australian sheepmeat and/or grass-fed beef.

Livestock Industries, CSIRO

Applying for RD&A funding

To meet the MLA’s selection criteria, proposed projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to producers of Australian sheepmeat and/or grass-fed beef, Crowley said.

“The four-page MLA Preliminary Proposal template, which must be used, is on our website, and helps to ensure proposals address the relevant 2017/18 sheepmeat and grass-fed beef RD&A priority,” he said.

“Panels of northern, southern and western sheepmeat and grass-fed beef producers will work with MLA staff to assess the preliminary proposals, with [every applicant] meeting the selection criteria in stage one then invited to submit a full proposal.

“Stage two of the process will see full proposals assessed for their technical merit by an independent expert panel prior to consideration by the Red Meat Panel.”

Application forms for preliminary proposals can be accessed via the MLA website. To be eligible for consideration, completed applications must be submitted electronically before 6pm (AEDT) on Friday 23 December 2016.

How the RD&A priorities were chosen

“MLA’s regional consultation framework … is based on a number of levels of consultation, starting with regional committees and coordinated producer groups, to provide clear avenues for grassroots producers to have their say on RD&A priorities,” Crowley explains.

The priorities are consolidated by various regional bodies: North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC), Southern Australia Meat Research Council (SAMRC) and Western Australia Livestock Research Council (WALRC).

They are then taken to the Red Meat Panel, where representatives of Cattle Council of Australia (CCA), Sheepmeat Council of Australia (SCA), NABRC, SAMRC, WALRC and MLA review and endorse them, and give advice regarding the priorities to the MLA Board.

More information

For further information on the 2017/18 MLA annual call, visit the R&D Funding Opportunities section of the MLA website. 

For more information on the regional consultation process determining RD&A priorities and how to have your say, visit the R&D Consultation section of the MLA site.