Researchers, grower groups and industry organisations are invited to apply for the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT) 2026 funding round, which will support projects addressing emerging challenges and delivering practical benefits to South Australian grain growers.
Chairperson Dr Andrew Barr said SAGIT was seeking projects that provide clear value to growers and the wider industry, in an open call for funding.
“Each year, we invest grower levies into projects that strengthen productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability,” he said.
“In 2026, we are particularly interested in work that improves summer fallow management, supports more sustainable grain production and demonstrates practical ways to reduce carbon emissions, including better management of nitrogen fertilisers.”
Dr Barr said SAGIT was also looking for projects that strengthen crop protection strategies, including research on barley net form of net blotch, improved fungicide resistance monitoring, and alternatives where pesticides are under review.
“We are keen to see projects that improve understanding of fertiliser efficiency, help growers manage herbicide residue risks before seeding, and expand the agronomic and disease resistance information available for the next SA Sowing Guide.”
He said SAGIT also welcomed capability building proposals, such as training opportunities for early-career researchers and extension activities that highlight the risks of intensive rotations and promote more resilient farming systems.
SAGIT is again seeking collaborative projects, including those that align with co-funding opportunities with the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research arm of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, in the areas of drought resilience, internships and greenhouse gas emissions.
“We maintain an open call for funding but we encourage applicants to review the research priorities available on the website as well as current SAGIT projects,” he said.
“Applicants can also speak with SAGIT scientific officer Dr Jenny Davidson to discuss project concepts.”
Last year SAGIT, including co-funded projects, invested more than $3 million into projects that will deliver on-farm outcomes for South Australian grain growers.
SAGIT said it expected to have a stronger budget following the 2025 harvest as seasonal prospects have improved.
Applications must be received by Friday 30 January 2026.
All relevant application guidelines and forms can be found at sagit.com.au/funding
Projects will be assessed during February and March, with applicants notified in late March.
Contact details to discuss project concepts and plans before submission with SAGIT project manager Malcolm Buckby and scientific officer Jenny Davidson are available at sagit.com.au/contact-us
