NHRN - a forum for horticultural RD&E consultation - Horticulture ...

National RD&E Framework for
Horticulture
In 2007 the NHRN responded to a request by the
Primary Industry Standing Committee (PISC) to
coordinate the development of the national RD&E
Framework for Horticulture.
This Framework establishes a foundation for the
efficient and effective delivery of horticultural research,
development and extension within Australia including
identification of which agencies will take the RD&E lead
for each horticultural crop and the major outcomes they,
in collaboration with the support and link agencies, will
address on behalf of those crops.
The NHRN will continue to play a central role in the
Framework by:
Initiating reviews of the progress and effectiveness of
the Horticulture RD&E Framework in the delivery of
RD&E outcomes for horticultural industries.
Responding to any gaps/weaknesses that emerge to
ensure industry RD&E needs continue to be
adequately met. This includes initiating processes to
account for the changing capabilities of the PISC
agencies.
With the relevant Peak Industry Bodies, overseeing
the progress and delivery of coordinated national
programs.
Mechanisation, Automation,
Robotics and Remote Sensing in
Horticulture
An example of the NHRN identifying potential ‘step
change’ technologies is the Mechanisation, Automation,
Robotics and Remote Sensing (MARRS) initiative.
One of the main factors that limits the international
competitiveness of Australian horticulture is the high
cost of labour.
To address this issue, the NHRN has initiated a major,
national research initiative to foster the application of
MARRS technologies in horticulture. The scope of the
project embraces both tree and ground crops and
covers both pre-harvest and post harvest environments.
The initial phase of the project is the development of a
business case for investment in MARRS R&D. This will
be a significant study including a full cost benefit
analysis and scan of technologies available to be
utilised in horticulture.
NHRN CONTACT LIST
Chair
Dr Michael Kennedy
Queensland Department of Employment, Economic
Development and Innovation
michael.kennedy@deedi.qld.gov.au
Dr Martin Barlass
Department of Primary Industries, Victoria
martin.barlass@dpi.vic.gov.au
Dr Kathy Ophel Keller
South Australian Research and Development Institute
Kathy.ophelkeller@sa.gov.au
Dr Shane Hetherington
NSW Industry & Investment
shane.hetherington@industry.nsw.gov.au
Dr Dugald Close
Tasmanian Institute for Agriculture &
Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture
Dugald.close@utas.edu.au
Mr David Moore
Horticulture Australia Limited
david.moore@horticulture.com.au
Mr Terry Hill
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
terry.hill@agric.wa.gov.au
Dr Robert Walker
CSIRO
rob.walker@csiro.au
Mr Bob Williams
Department of Resources, Northern Territory
bob-C.williams@nt.gov.au
Executive Officer
Mr Russell Soderlund
66 Stewart Rd, Avonsleigh, VIC 3782
Phone: +61 (400) 117 360
Fax: +61 (3) 5968 5496
Email: russell.soderlund@bigpond.com