Australia: Funding call for nursery industry preliminary R&D proposals

Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) is the peak industry body for the Australian nursery and garden industry and is responsible for overseeing the national development and coordination of R&D programs in consultation with Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and regional associations. NGIA is inviting Preliminary R&D Proposals for new research concepts, ideas and technologies to meet the priorities listed in the Nursery & Garden Industry Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) 2012-2016.

The focus of the SIP is to accelerate the development of these research concepts, ideas and technologies, aiming to either:

Grow the market for plants and greenlife in the urban environment.
Overcome key technical barriers in the production sector.

Funding is available over a four-year period by research agencies, institutions or consultants who can demonstrate novel approaches to the two research themes, deemed to be critical to the success of the nursery industry.

Application Process: The application process comprises of two stages:

Stage 1: Applicants are encouraged to submit a Preliminary R&D Proposal for initial consideration by NGIA.

Stage 2: Should your Preliminary R&D Proposal be successful, applicants will be asked to submit a full proposal for final consideration by HAL and the Nursery Industry Advisory Committee (IAC).

Preliminary R&D Proposal will need to meet the guidelines outlined on the HAL website to progress to the next stage, which will require a detailed proposal to be lodged.

Timing of Application: Beginning this year, NGIA will have an annual Preliminary R&D Proposal Call. In 2013, Preliminary R&D Proposal can only be submitted in the four week window opening on Monday, 20 May 2013 and closing 5pm Friday 14 June 2013.

Acknowledgement: Preliminary applications will be acknowledged and recorded by NGIA. Applicants will be advised in writing of the success or otherwise of their preliminary proposal by NGIA.

Instructions to Complete Preliminary R&D Proposal Form: The Preliminary R&D Proposal form is available by contacting NGIA on the following email address - [email protected] or calling 02 8861 5100. The Preliminary R&D Proposal should be completed electronically, and sent to – [email protected]

Should you require further information, please contact:

Dr Anthony Kachenko
NGIA Environmental and Technical Policy Manager
[email protected]

All proposals must be received by 5pm Friday 14 June 2013