Australia
January 15, 2008
The
GRDC has assured Australian
grain growers that the research levy rate is to remain at the
current rate.
GRDC Chairman Mr Keith Perrett said there are no proposals to
increase the GRDC levy rate.
“The GRDC is funded jointly by a levy collected from grain
growers based on the value of grain they produce and
contributions from the Australian Government,” Mr Perrett said.
“In fact last month the GRDC recommended to the Grains Council
of Australia (GCA) that the levy rates be continued in 2008-09
at the current levels of 0.99% for 24 leviable grains and 0.693%
for maize.
"The research levy rate is set by legislation which can only be
changed by the Australian Parliament. It has not changed over
the last 12 years.
“The amount of levy revenue received each year depends on a
number of risks, including drought or other weather events, pest
or disease outbreaks, grain price fluctuations, the Australian
dollar, the exchange rate and significant shifts away from
grains in the farm business mix.
“GRDC is very much aware of the difficult production
circumstances growers have faced over the last few years.
"The GRDC has carefully managed its reserves during the current
drought to maintain research expenditure, implementing its new
strategic R&D Plan to deliver value to grain growers," Mr
Perrett said.
The GRDC is a statutory authority established to plan and invest
in R&D for the Australian grains industry. Its primary objective
is to support effective competition by Australian grain growers
in global grain markets, through enhanced profitability and
sustainability.
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