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About the Graham Centre
The Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation was established in 2005 as an alliance between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) to integrate and value-add research undertaken by CSU and NSW DPI.
A unique combination of experienced multi-disciplinary and integrated research teams form the basis of the Centre, under the guidance of an elite Governance and Management structure. Collaboration with development and extension providers, and strong partnerships with farmer groups, ensures focus & relevance to the current outcomes is achieved.
The Centre's research aims to increase the productivity of the grain and livestock industries, whilst reducing the risks of natural resource degradation, thus supporting a sustainable economic future for agriculture on regional, national and international levels.
Vision
To be the Australian Centre of Excellence for temperate mixed farming systems.
Mission
To create knowledge and capacity, through multi-disciplinary and integrated research in strategic Research Pathways to deliver profitable and sustainable farming systems for the future.
Location and Expertise
The Centre is ideally located in the dryland and irrigated mixed farming areas and the permanent pasture agricultural systems of south-eastern Australia.
Research skills are in soil science, nutrition, microbiology, molecular biology, botany, biochemistry, spatial science and remote sensing, agronomy and plant improvement, crop and pasture production, biotechnology, modelling, biometrics, rotations and farming systems, food science, animal behaviour and welfare, animal production, reproduction, nutrition, anatomy, physiology, parasitology, pathology, vaccines, epidemiology, weed management, plant pathology, food science, entomology, farming systems, agricultural extension and training, management and economics. |
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For information on our Members, please click here.
History
Since 1892, agricultural research and education have been conducted at the site now occupied by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University. Initially known as the Wagga Wagga Experimental Farm in 1893, the Farm was later developed in to the Wagga Agricultural College (1948) and the Agricultural Research Institute (1954). Early researchers included William Farrer, Nathan Cobb and Albert Pugsley. In 1976, the education and research functions of the Agricultural College became part of the Riverina College of Advanced Education, which later became the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education and finally, Charles Sturt University in 1989. In 1996, the NSW Agriculture Research Institute became a Centre of Excellence for Southern Farming Systems and Viticulture and today is known as the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute.
The Graham Centre is named after Edgar ("Eddie") Hugh Graham. He was the longest serving NSW Minister for Agriculture and held the regional seat of Wagga Wagga from 1941 until his sudden death in office in 1957. He is still respected for his pioneering role in developing rural policies and education. He opened the Department of Agriculture Wheat Research Institute in 1950 and the Agricultural Research Institute in 1954
Further information about the history of Charles Sturt University and the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute can be found at:
- http://www.csu.edu.au/about/history/university.htm
- http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/centres/wagga/history