AUSTRALIA’s young agricultural scientists, innovators and researchers have less than a month to apply for grants to support their innovative agricultural project, through the 2017 Science and Innovation Awards.

Australian chief scientist, Kim Ritman, said the awards program was open to 18 to 35-year-olds to undertake new and creative research projects to benefit Australia’s agricultural industries.

“Every year we receive a range of impressive applications from young Australians with great ideas that will support a wide range of industry issues,” Dr Ritman said.

“This is a great opportunity for our future agricultural science leaders to get the support they need to bring their project to life.

“Applications close on October 14, so I’d encourage those with an innovative agricultural project idea to get their application in soon for a chance to join the 210 other young Australians who have had their great projects funded in the past.”

Successful projects that received funding in last year’s round included a new on-farm device for pathogen detection in aquaculture systems; mapping frost at the farm scale for the Western Australian wheat belt; and the development of fungal biocontrol agents to manage root-knot nematode in ginger.

Eleven industry award categories are available in the 2017 round, with the opportunity to share in up to $240,000 in grants. Each winner can receive a grant of up to $22,000 (including GST).

One recipient will also be awarded the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Award, receiving additional project funding.

For further information on the awards, including the application form and on how to apply, visitagriculture.gov.au/scienceawards or email [email protected]