International agricultural research call for funding

In a major address in his final period in Parliament, The Hon. Tim Fischer MP has called for greater Australian involvement and investment in international agricultural research (IAR), and more support for it from his farming colleagues.

He also called on business to become more involved in training people from developing countries for both humanitarian and self-interest reasons.

The former Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the National Party was speaking as Chairman of the Crawford Fund, the Australian advocacy body established to publicise the benefits to all arising from international agricultural research.

He addressed a group of business, industry, research and technology leaders on "Agriculture in the 21st Century: The Impact of New and Emerging Technologies".

"The recently announced 'Innovation Action Statement', is a tremendous initiative and will do much to strengthen Australia's national R&D base and no doubt agricultural research will indirectly benefit from the additional funding," said Mr Fischer.

For further information please contact Heather Slater, Coordinator, Public Awareness, Crawford Fund ph 02 6251 9044