Make most of science, dairymen told
RESEARCH and development must be treated seriously, according to CSIRO chairman Simon McKeon.
By Simone Smith, 23 February 2012, Weekly TImes Now
Mr McKeon gave the inaugural Tom Reid oration at the the opening of the Australian Dairy Conference at Warragul on Tuesday night.
Speaking to The Weekly Times on Monday, Mr McKeon, the 2011 Australian of the Year, said he would speak on highlighting the importance of research, development and innovation within dairy and how it was crucial to make the most of "scarce" funding.
"Obviously many of us can grumble about the high Australian dollar, but I don't know if that is going to change anything," he said.
"We need a very efficient and focused research environment with those decisions (about research priorities) being made by the most gifted people."
Using the wool industry as an example, Mr McKeon said it "took its eye" off research and development at one stage and now, looking back, the work done by CSIRO scientists during that time on blending synthetic and natural fibres had put the industry in a stronger position today.
An investment banker, he previously worked as an adviser on the establishment of processor Bonlac and also when it moved across to Fonterra, as well as National Foods' (now Lion) purchase of Dairy Farmers.