The government hopes to support the state’s agricultural sector through medical research. Photo: Victorian Government.
The Victorian Government is supporting the state’s agricultural sector with research programs aimed at strengthening farming businesses.
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle visited Ellinbank SmartFarm in Gippsland to announce that Victorian scientists will explore potential RNA treatments that could protect livestock and crops from disease.
“We’re proud to support research that will secure the future of Victoria’s agriculture sector,” Ms Settle said.
Both projects are funded through the government’s RNA for Agriculture Program, worth $3.5 million.
$1.77 million in funding will go towards research into sustainable RNA-based biopesticides, which are aimed at major agricultural pests, including the Almond Carpophilus Beetle and Grape Phylloxera.
“RNA research is a transformative platform for agriculture, with the potential to reshape how we respond to pests and disease into the future,” Agriculture Victoria Research Director Jennie Pryce said.
Phylloxera is a small insect which affects the wine industry by attacking the roots of grapevines, killing the plants, which can cause major losses in yield. There is no effective treatment for the pest.
The Almond Carpophilus Beetle attacks almond shells, reducing crop quality, posing a threat to the nation’s $1.3 billion almond industry.
An additional $1.74 million will support research into an mRNA treatment for dairy mastitis, which inflames cow udders and poses a significant risk to bovine health.
The project aims to create an mRNA therapy to strengthen cow immune responses, which enables more effective control of infection.
The government hopes the research could reduce mastitis-related losses by up to $160 million in Victoria alone.
These research programs are being delivered as part of the government’s Economic Growth Statement.
Agribusiness, health technologies, and medical research are priority sectors in the statement.
“We’re supporting farmers to build stronger businesses – because we back regional Victoria,” Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Steve Dimopoulos said.
“This is about protecting Victorian jobs and growing local economies across the state.”
