Farm health and safety R&D investments analysed - GRDC Media release

May 10, 2012

Source: GRDC media release

 

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has released a report into the value of investments in the national Farming and Fishing Health and Safety Research and Development Program.

 

The program aims to undertake research and development and research application activities that improve the physical and mental health of farming and fishing workers and their families, and the safety of the work environment and practices in farming and fishing industries.

 

It is a collaborative partnership between RIRDC, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Sugar Research and Development Corporation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

 

The report, Economic Evaluation of Investment in the Farming & Fishing Health & Safety R&D Program, presents the results of economic analyses of three randomly-selected investments within the program.

 

According to the report prepared by Peter Chudleigh, Sarah Simpson and Jessica Lai of Agtrans Research, the analyses found all three investments provided positive results in terms of both the number and range of benefits identified and valued.

 

The report’s authors say these results demonstrate that the program is delivering significant impacts and is providing a healthy return on investment. 

The report is now on the RIRDC website (https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/11-170) and can be downloaded for free. It is also available in hard copy.

 

RIRDC is a statutory authority established by the Primary Industries and Energy Research and Development Act 1989 (PIERD Act).  The Corporation was established by the Australian Government to work with industry to invest in R&D for a more profitable, sustainable and dynamic rural sector.

 

ENDS

 

Media releases and other media products can be found at www.grdc.com.au/media

 

Contact: Sharon Watt

Porter Novelli

0409 675100