The future of food production research in the rangelands: challenges and prospects for research investment, organisation and human resources

Abstract

Food production research in rangelands depends heavily on the National Agricultural Research System for its research and development outcomes. Future outcomes are uncertain as funding sources are limited and much of the expertise is entering the retirement phase without a succession plan. Private research investment has contributed to some extent but there remains a need for governments to continue to support those aspects that deliver public good or address market failure. This review considers the varying contexts in funding and research organisation globally while using Australia as a case study for more detailed analyses of trends in livestock production research capacity in the rangelands. The major concern expressed is that the availability of a well educated and trained workforce is uncertain and this may hamper rangelands from contributing sufficiently to global food security and national conservation goals.