The Coalition Government has committed $15 million for the University of New England (UNE) to establish an Agvet Chemical & Technology Innovation Centre of Excellence (CoE).
The CoE will bring together farmers, scientists and industry experts from across Australia and globally, through the establishment of a Chair of Regulatory Sciences and supporting secretariat located at UNE.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said this funding is responding to an urgent need for high level, dynamic public policy to ensure effective regulatory pathways to allow farmers to deliver the best productive, profitable and sustainable farming outcomes.
“UNE is perfectly positioned to lead this work due to its close proximity to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and the ability for both organisations to work together to develop world-leading best practice for farmers,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Regional industries are best led from regional areas with the people who truly understand the agricultural industry and its needs, and the Nationals will always stand by regional Australia and back its growth and development.
“The CoE will tackle a range of complex issues including science and technology, regulation and delivery issues to ensure we continue to grow Australia’s capacity in our agricultural industry which brings wealth to the Australian economy and is only getting stronger.
“Only a Coalition Government will back our regional industries that make Australia strong, supported by a strong economic plan for the future, where a Labor Greens alliance will shut down regional industries and has no plan for our agricultural industry.”
Professor David Miron, Director Regional Development, UNE said: “This Centre of Excellence builds on UNE’s rich history of delivering improved outcomes and profits for Australian farmers, at the intersection of science research, technologies and agricultural production. Investment into regional Australia is crucial and pays dividends for farmers and regional communities.”
