ACRCP Phase 6 - Integrated Rust Initiative: Program 3. Integrated Disease Management and Extension

Overview The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is seeking a provider to deliver the Integrated Disease Management (IDM) and Extension component of the Australian Cereal Rust Control Program Phase 6 (ACRCP6), known as the Integrated Rust Initiative. About Cereal rust diseases continue to pose a significant and evolving threat to Australian wheat, barley and oat production. Wheat rust alone costs the Australian grains industry $147 million per annum when controlled with genetics and current management practices, but predicted losses are close to $1.7 billion per annum if no control occurs (Murray and Brennan, 2009). Rust pathogens are highly adaptable and have repeatedly overcome deployed genetic resistance and chemical control options, resulting in yield losses, increased fungicide use and rising production costs for growers. While the Australian Cereal Rust Control Program (ACRCP) has delivered strong outcomes over multiple phases, the increasing complexity of pathogen evolution (for example, Yr15 virulent pathogen and BGYR pathogen evolution), fungicide sensitivity, loss of access to chemistry risk and climate driven disease pressure requires a more integrated and future focused investment approach. The next phase will bring these activities together in a coordinated national initiative. It will strengthen rust surveillance, accelerate the development and use of durable genetic resistance, and improve integrated disease management across production systems. Expanding the program beyond wheat to include barley and oats will allow proven approaches and lessons to benefit the broader grains industry. ACRCP6, the Integrated Rust Initiative, will build on existing capability while addressing gaps in coordination, efficiency and preparedness for emerging rust threats. Purpose By supporting more durable crop resistance, responsible fungicide use and better-informed decisions by breeders, advisers and growers, the initiative aims to reduce the long-term cost and impact of cereal rust. The IDM and Extension component is intended to support more effective rust management, reduce reliance on reactive fungicide use and improve the grains industry's long-term resilience. Scope The scope includes: Identifying priority rust management gaps Developing and updating practical IDM strategies Translating surveillance, crop resistance, seasonal risk and fungicide stewardship information into timely resources and advice for growers and advisers Contract Terms and Conditions Offers will remain open for acceptance by the GRDC for a period of 6 months after the Closing Time Enquiries Attention: Justine Morgan Organisation: Grains Research and Development Corporation Email: tenders@grdc.com.au All requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement must be made in writing (email) prior to 11 November 2026. GRDC will publish all requests and responses to requests on the GRDC website under Questions and Answers at the bottom of this webpage.