Themes & Funding

Spanning fundamental to applied research, the Waite is unique for its paddock-to-plate, and grape to glass, whole of value chain approach and expertise.

From gene discovery and breeding, phenomics and plant performance in a large range of food crops, to nutritional outcomes and consumer preferences, the Waite is working on a wide range of agricultural transformation projects.

Major themes are:

• Food security – increasing yield in changing and challenging conditions
• Sustainable agricultural production for healthier and environmentally resilient outcomes
• Delivering transformational and high-impact agricultural technologies and systems
• Optimising the economic and nutritional value of our clean, green food and wine products

Hosting nationally significant centres in soil science, plant breeding, grains research and innovative wine production

The Waite receives approximately $170m of public funding for agricultural research each year, and also does a great deal of industry-funded work benefiting various sectors and commercial entities. 

In addition to funding from the Federal Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scheme, which supports major public research infrastructure such as the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility, the Waite’s key funders include:

• Australian Research Council
• Grains Research & Development Corporation
• Wine Australia
• Horticulture Australia
• SA Grains Industry Trust
• National Health & Medical Research Council

The State Government of South Australia also provides valuable support to the Waite Campus via various competitive funding schemes and through joint investment in infrastructure.