PROC-9177509: Barley Net Blotch Initiative (BNBI) Program C- Coordination and capacity development

Net blotches pose an escalating and urgent threat to Australian barley, costing the industry an estimated $122 million each year through disease-related yield losses, downgraded grain quality, and higher fungicide management costs. Widespread planting of susceptible varieties, the practice of growing barley on barley, and an over-reliance on fungicides with a singular mode of action are driving net blotch pathogens to evolve and spread faster than current surveillance, varietal resistance breeding, management and extension efforts can respond.

This investment seeks to help Australian barley growers keep ahead of a threat that is moving faster than current tools can handle. It will be delivered through a five-year, nationally focused Barley Net Blotch Initiative (BNBI) comprising three interlinked programs supported by a dedicated coordinator:

? Program 1 - Pathogen surveillance, monitoring, and screening

? Program 2- Host and pathogen genetics

? Program 3 - Integrated disease management and extension

? Program C - Coordination and capacity development

GRDC is seeking a suitably qualified consultant or coordinator to deliver BNBI Program C that will drive collaboration, information sharing, and alignment across the other three programs; help programs align research priorities with breeder and industry needs from the outset; and connect BNBI with cross-crop initiatives, including but not limited to the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), Australian Cereal Rust Control Program (ACRCP), the multi-crop and multi-disease Disease Management Extension Network (DMEN), and existing net blotch investments. This role will also strengthen the capacity and collaborative networks required to sustain Australia’s cereal pathology capability.

Tenderers may apply for the BNBI Coordinator role (Program C) and may also submit applications for one or more of BNBI Programs 1, 2 and 3. GRDC will assess each application on its merits and may fund the Coordinator role independently of, or in conjunction with, one or more program contracts.