Single Vision Grains Australia
Mechelle Owen, WAHRI research officer examining wild oat seedlings ready for transplanting. Photo: Evan Collis
In response to approaches from industry, in 2005 the GRDC Board agreed to facilitate the establishment of Single Vision Grains Australia (SVGA) for a period of two years, ending on 30 June 2007, at a cost of up to $1 million per year.
SVGA was not a separate legal entity, but existed through a series of agreements with consultants, and was managed by an Interim Board. In line with industry recommendations, the Interim Board was independent of the GRDC and other industry organisations.
A key role for the Interim Board was to seek crossindustry support for SVGA’s ongoing operation, and to advise on what form SVGA should take after the two-year establishment period. The ultimate goal was to create support for a pan-industry body to address common issues facing the grains industry.
At the completion of the agreed funding period, financial support from industry was not forthcoming. As a result, the GRDC Board resolved to abide by its original decision to only provide funding for SVGA to 30 June 2007. SVGA was wound down at 30 June 2007.
GRDC then provided limited assistance to finish the report Delivering Market Choice with GM Canola. The report was endorsed by 25 grains industry bodies (including the GRDC) and delivered to industry at the Agriculture Australia conference on 7 August 2007.
The Interim Board had maintained a company, Single Vision Grains Australia Ltd, but had not used it since October 2006. On 24 September 2007 the GRDC became the sole member of Single Vision Grains Australia Ltd, with three GRDC officers as its directors. The company has remained dormant.
During its operation SVGA undertook six research projects addressing industry-wide issues. All reports produced by SVGA are available on the GRDC website, www.grdc.com.au.
