Overview

The Tasmanian Government is investing in industry-driven agricultural research to address emerging opportunities and issues likely to have a direct impact on Tasmanian agriculture through its $3 million Agricultural Development Fund (ADF).

The ADF supports projects that will deliver broad benefits to Tasmania and the state’s agricultural sector; have strong support and partnership from industry; and that demonstrate a clear strategy to deliver on-farm impacts.

Timing of Second Funding Round

Applications closed at 11:59pm on Friday 3 February 2023.

Funding Available

Funding rounds for the ADF will also allocate funds remaining in the Agricultural Innovation Fund. In total, $1.97 million in funding is available through this round, with a maximum of $500,000 available for individual agricultural RD&E projects that can be undertaken in a three-year timeframe. It is expected that this will be the final funding round.

Guidelines

Applicants should read the Guidelines before applying.  The Guidelines contain important information about eligibility, funding priorities and assessment criteria.

 Ag Development Fund & Ag Innovation Fund Guidelines (PDF 171Kb)​​

How to Apply

​To apply, complete the online application form available on the NRE Tas SmartyGrants website at https://nre.smartygrants.com.au/ADF. ​​​

Please note that although this funding round is allocating funding from both the Agricultural Development Fund and Agricultural Innovation fund, there is one set of guidelines, one set of assessment criteria, one application form, and one assessment panel.

Successful Round One Projects

The first funding round for the ADF opened on 30 July 2021 and closed on 10 September 2021. Four projects have been funded through the ADF and are currently underway:

• Reuse and recycling of hydroponic substrate to enable the growth of high value agricultural production in Tasmania (Fruit Growers Tasmania, RMCG, Costa Exchange, Hillwood Berries, Tasmanian Berries, Hills Transplants)

  
  This project will reduce reliance on imports of coir, an important substrate for horticultural industries, by evaluating the re-use of spent coir and experimenting with local agricultural by-products. This will help to promote a robust circular economy for Tasmanian agricultural businesses.
  

• Optimising calf raising for dairy beef production in Tasmania (Pinion Advisory, TasCor Agri)
  
  This project will determine the best approach for raising surplus dairy calves for dairy beef production. It will examine different rearing methods to meet processor requirements and will also study the financial cost-benefit of dairy beef production and impacts on animal health and welfare.
  

• Development of the hoverfly, Eristalis tenax, as a complementary managed pollinator for Tasmanian cropping systems (SeedPurity, Bejo Australia, South Pacific Seeds, Tasmanian Pollination Services)
  
  This project will develop commercial rearing and deployment protocols for hoverflies (Eristalis tenax) as a complementary pollinator for pollination-limited crops. This will help future-proof Tasmanian industries by diversifying managed pollinators, drive industry expansion, improve yields and profitability in some crops, and provide a greater understanding of conditions promoting pollinator retention in crops.
  

• Production of an Asparagopsis pellet that will be suitable for farmers to integrate into their feeding systems (Sea Forest, Tasmanian Stockfeed Services, Fonterra, Kingston Farm, Annadale Farm, Tas Ag Co, Analytical Services Tasmania).
  
  This project will seek to develop a commercial formulation for a seaweed-based feed supplement that can be fed to cattle and sheep to reduce their methane emissions and deliver productivity gains.
  

In addition, four new projects delivered through the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture were funded through the Agricultural Innovation Fund as part of the first funding round. These four projects are described on the Funding for RD&E Projects website.