Cotton Australia has welcomed the announcement of a boost of more than $5 million to research and development for the industry.

At an event held at OlamΆs cotton gin at Dalby, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced up to $5.8 million would be directed from the Rural R&D For Profit program to the ΅More Profit From NitrogenΆ project.

“AustraliaΆs cotton industry leads the world in yields and efficiencies, in great part due to its commitment to scientific research and development,” says Cotton Australia CEO, Adam Kay.

“Cotton Australia is very pleased to see more than $5 million allocated to this project, which will help improve the productivity of irrigating cotton growers.”

The announcement was made at OlamΆs gin at Dalby, on QueenslandΆs Darling Downs. The event also presented an opportunity to recognise the 25th anniversary of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation. “Australian cotton farmers and the Australian Government are equal partners in the delivery of scientific research and development for the benefit of growers and the industry,” Mr Kay says.

“With so much of our success due to strong research, maintenance of the current system – by which growers and Government contribute equal funding into our research development corporation – is one of the highest priorities for the cotton industry.

“As the industry representative organisation, Cotton Australia plays a key role in the delivery of research and development, and enjoys a strong relationship with the CRDC. We congratulate the CRDC on its 25 years of service to the cotton industry.ΆΆ and look forward to working with it to advance Australian cotton into the future.”