BARKER EXCELLENCE CENTRAL TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S DROUGHT INNOVATION HUB

• The South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub will be supported by key nodes in
• University of Adelaide to lead transformational drought resilience delivery.
• An $8 million Australian Government investment, with $12m contribution from Hub members.

Loxton and Struan have been selected as key nodes and centres of regional innovation excellence to service the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.

Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, said the new South Australian Hub aimed to transform the way that South Australian farmers and communities prepare for and respond to drought.

“The new South Australian hub will be based at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus, with regional nodes in Minnipa, Port Augusta, Orroroo and Loxton and Struan in Barker,” Mr Pasin said.

“That puts Barker front and centre in the co-design and delivery of innovative projects and practices aimed at boosting drought resilience and agricultural productivity.”

“I am proud that we’re putting practical research and boots on the ground to help local farmers and their communities to become more drought resilient.”

“Barker farmers are seasoned innovators who rise to every challenge to deliver premium agricultural produce.”

“It makes sense that our local expertise will contribute to ensuring that research and development delivers practical outcomes that ensure successful drought management in our communities.”

Mr Pasin said the Hub would bring together organisations like Primary Producers SA, Ag Excellence Alliance, the South Australian Government, Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and Elders Rural Australia to engage directly with farmers, traditional owners and agribusinesses to take on the challenges of drought.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the South Australian Hub is one of eight across the country to be established that will support development and uptake of innovative technologies and practices that improve drought resilience.

“Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs have come about through the forward-thinking Future Drought Fund – a long term, sustained investment of $100 million each year to build drought preparedness,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Drought is a natural part of the Australian landscape and these hubs will play a critical role in helping farmers and agricultural communities to be better prepared.

ENDS

Fast Facts:

• The South Australian hub is one of eight Hubs to be established around the country through the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund.
• The Hubs are the centrepiece of the Australian Government’s $88 million Future Drought Fund Research and Adoption Program.
• They will become flagship precincts for agricultural innovation.
• The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will lead the co‑ordination of the Hubs, supporting them to become interconnected agricultural innovation precincts.
• Find out more by visiting www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund/research-adoption-program