Rural R&D Council - Communique 24 March 2009
24 March 2009
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Tony Burke MP, announced the establishment of the Rural R&D Council in February 2009. The council held its first meeting in Canberra on 19-20 February 2009.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Kate Grenot. Other council members who attended were Dr Bob Rose, Prof Penny D Sackett, Mr Mark McHenry, Prof Beth Woods OAM, Prof Rob Clark AM, Mrs Anne Stünzner, Ms Cathy McGowan AO, Dr Fran Shapter and Prof Jim Pratley.
The council discussed its key objectives including a strategic investment plan for rural research and development. Working groups were established to examine a future vision for rural R&D as part of the council’s work towards the investment plan, and to conduct a data analysis of rural R&D to underpin the council’s deliberations.
The council is seeking to broaden its understanding of the rural sector and establish productive working relationships with agencies and organisations across the rural and R&D communities.
The council also discussed and approved applications for funding under the Climate Change Research Program.
The council will meet quarterly with the next meeting to be held in Canberra in May 2009.