Young farmers need different research support

Australia’s farms are becoming more reliant on complex technologies and need “less traditional” research collaborations, a leading research manager says.

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation managing director John Harvey says the next generation of farm industry leaders are looking for a more “entrepreneurial” approach to research.

In a report to RIRDC on a series of regional innovation meetings held in all states and the Northern Territory, Harvey said that he was “blown away by the enormous talent and enthusiasm” of more than 150 young farmers and rural business owners who contributed to these events.