The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has detailed its research and development across the State’s agriculture and aquaculture industries in a new publication.
DPIRD said its Primary Industries Development Research Highlights 2021, released to coincide with National Science Week (14-22 August), covered the work and outcomes from about 60 of more than 140 recently-completed and current research projects.
The Department said the projects, carried out by about 1,100 DPIRD scientists, technical experts and economists, contributed to the continuing success of the State’s primary industries.
Deputy Director of General Primary Industries Development at DPIRD, Carl Binning said the publication harnessed the Department’s scientific expertise and achievements.
“The Department is focused on helping to advance WA’s vital primary industries through targeted research and development,” Mr Binning said.
“The sector contributes more than $10 billion in value to the State’s economy each year.”
He said the Department was building scientific, industry and export capacity and safeguarding the State’s agricultural industry.
“We are supporting primary industries to maintain and improve their productivity in the face of a drying climate driven by climate change,” Mr Binning said.
“We have refurbished and built new agricultural and fisheries research and development facilities from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions through to Albany on the South Coast and Merredin in the eastern wheatbelt.”
Mr Binning said the facilities were being used for a broad array of activities, from developing the State’s shellfish and marine finfish industries, through to addressing soil constraints in cropping and advancing the genetics of the sheep flock.
Sections of the 343-page publication can be accessed at this PS News link.
