Building out the Nitrogen Mission

Australian grain growers are among the most innovative in the world but need a breakthrough in nitrogen (N) management. GRDC has been investing in new frontiers in nitrogen management for many years and is well positioned to scale up that investment in a structured, long-term, and strategic manner via the building out of the Nitrogen Mission. The recent fertiliser supply crisis exemplifies the need to do so. Specifically, GRDC has ambitions to decrease long-term (historical) N costs as a percentage of crop revenue by 50% or more, halve current N losses to the environment, and decrease emissions intensity associated with N usage by at least 20%. In the process GRDC aims to build out world-leading research capacity and science and technology innovation in N management in the Australian grains industry. The opportunity for partners is to coinvest with GRDC in delivering a breakthrough that unlocks major economic, social, and environmental benefits in the Australian grains industry, and potentially, other agricultural markets internationally. Even a 15% reduction in long-term nitrogen fertiliser costs while maintaining yields is estimated to deliver over $1 billion AUD of value to Australian grain growers through improved gross margins and reduced financial risk. As a partner, GRDC is one of the world's leading grain research organisations. GRDC has a large existing research and development (R&D) portfolio in N and related areas, extensive research, development, and innovation networks in Australia and internationally, a strong balance sheet, and a long-term outlook. Australia is also an ideal market to incubate, develop, and scale world-leading technologies in N management given the culture of innovation, technology adoption, and adaptability in the Australian grains industry. The information below describes the opportunity for partners in more detail and the process involved.