Australia
May 18, 2017
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) yesterday announced to all staff at a meeting in Canberra the final phase of an organisational restructure that started more than 18 months ago.
Managing Director, Dr Steve Jefferies, said that the Australian grains industry had changed tremendously in recent times with substantial advances in technology, consolidation of farms, climate variability and market shifts. In addition, the research environment has also evolved.
“Where GRDC was a minor investor in RD&E 10 years ago, we are now the major investor. The responsibility on GRDC to deliver impacts on grain growers’ profitability has never been greater.
“These are the drivers for the organisational redesign and structural change which is an important step in ensuring the GRDC is appropriately equipped to invest in RD&E outcomes that growers most want and value.
“The restructure realigns our operations to respond to the changing needs of growers. We need the right capabilities and resources, focused in the right places.
“This announcement is the culmination of extensive consultation with growers, industry, researchers and our own people.
“It is vital that everything we do reflects industry needs, and that we have the resources to deliver the best possible return on investment for growers.
“A primary focus for the re-building phase is establishing the appropriate critical mass of expertise particularly in GRDC’s regional offices.
“As a number of current positions have been redesigned, GRDC is working closely with those affected to support them through the redeployment process, and ensure they are given an opportunity to express interest in any vacant roles.
“Our immediate priority is to ensure we are supporting our staff through the restructure process.
“With our organisation redesign complete, we can move forward with certainty,” Dr Jefferies said.
About the GRDC
Since 1990, the GRDC has invested billions in research, development and extension to help the Australian grains industry become a leading contributor to local and national economies, and our growers to be profitable, productive and competitive.
Our industry is changing rapidly, with factors such as advances in technology, climate volatility, globalisation and shifts in consumer tastes contributing to the demands and challenges faced by Australian grain growers.
The corporation plays an integral role in supporting outcomes and innovations that drive continued profitability that is critical to the future of Australian grain growers. We exist to serve the interests and needs of growers across Australia’s diverse and dynamic grains industry.
The GRDC’s purpose is to invest in RD&E to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers.
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