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Journal of the Australian Rangeland Society
RESEARCH ARTICLE

The future of food production research in the rangelands: challenges and prospects for research investment, organisation and human resources

C. W. Roxburgh A C and J. E. Pratley B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.

B Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: c.roxburgh@uq.edu.au

The Rangeland Journal 37(2) 125-138 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ14090
Submitted: 1 July 2014  Accepted: 23 December 2014   Published: 5 March 2015

Abstract

Food production research in rangelands depends heavily on the National Agricultural Research System for its research and development outcomes. Future outcomes are uncertain as funding sources are limited and much of the expertise is entering the retirement phase without a succession plan. Private research investment has contributed to some extent but there remains a need for governments to continue to support those aspects that deliver public good or address market failure. This review considers the varying contexts in funding and research organisation globally while using Australia as a case study for more detailed analyses of trends in livestock production research capacity in the rangelands. The major concern expressed is that the availability of a well educated and trained workforce is uncertain and this may hamper rangelands from contributing sufficiently to global food security and national conservation goals.

Additional keywords: agriculture, CGIAR, education, monitoring and evaluation, NARS, rangelands.


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