Professor Graham King (left), Director, Southern Cross Plant Science, Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker, NSW DPI Chief Scientist Dr Phil Wright, DVC (Research), Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, Chancellor Nick Burton Taylor,Thomas George MP for Lismore and Lorraine Gordon.

Southern Cross University and the New South Wales Department of Primary industries (DPI) are joining together to open an organics research centre in the Northern Rivers area of NSW.

The DPI will contribute AUD $2 million during a five-year funding period to be matched by the university, including through the contribution of staff and facilities.

Southern Cross University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, said the vision for the centre was to create a world-leading facility for all aspects of organics research.

“Creating this Centre in partnership with the Department is a natural fit. We are already working on a number of projects and the Centre represents an exciting extension of the relationship between the two organisations,” Professor Mackenzie said.

The University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the interests of the Centre would be broad.

“We expect to attract partners who will have their own research priorities and problems to solve. It is a contemporary field with great potential to innovate,” he said.

“The Centre for Organics Research will build on Australia’s reputation for food safety, security and export to key markets world-wide,” Professor Shoemarker said.

Australian Organic welcomes centre

Chairman of Australian Organic, Dr Andrew Monk, has welcomed news of the centre.

“Australian Organic welcomes Government and University investment to deliver organic specific agronomic research that will assist existing and future organic producers in becoming both more productive and resilient,” Dr Monk said.

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