DPI supports Riverina farmers

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has reaffirmed its commitment to Riverina farmers and refuted claims that southern NSW offices are closing and that services will be diminished.

Deputy Director General, Michael Bullen, said that the DPI will continue to provide important services to local Riverina producers.

“Some 15 DPI Industry Development Officers will be based in the Riverina and will work closely with key regional industries such as horticultural, cropping and livestock businesses.

“A range of horticulture advisory roles, covering vegetables, viticulture, citrus and temperate fruit, will be based in Yanco, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Dareton and Tumut.

“These new industry development officers are at the cutting edge of their respective fields and will work with industry to identify opportunities and grow their businesses.

“The industry development roles will be supported by around 25 Local Land Services Advisory Officers, which will be based in the Riverina from January 2014.

“DPI Industry Development Officers and Local Land Services Advisory Officers will work closely together to provide advice and deliver locally-relevant research results to farmers and local communities.”

Mr Bullen said that the Riverina is a key focus for research and development and irrigated cropping.“Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute is one of five flagship locations for Agriculture NSW service and program delivery,” Mr Bullen said.

“The Institute is home to the EH Graham Institute – DPI’s long term partnership with Charles Sturt University (CSU) on southern farming systems and the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre.

“Wagga Wagga will also be the key focus for cropping and mixed farming systems, livestock nutrition and pasture research.

“Yanco will take on an expanded role as the Southern Irrigated Cropping and Horticulture Centre as well as the key southern location for rice and vegetable research and development.

“This will lead to the creation of a number of new roles at Yanco, including one dryland agronomist and two irrigated agronomy roles.“Four horticulture researchers will also remain in Yanco.”

Contact: Steve Green

Phone: 6391 3686 or 0427 192 658

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