The Cotton Australia Grower RD&E Advisory Panels function in providing practical advice on research, development and extension (RD&E) needs and priorities within the industry. This advice forms important guidance to CRDC for strategic R&D planning, annual operation planning, development of Expressions of Interest and resultant CRDC decisions as to project investments.

Cotton Australia facilitates 4 advisory panels that are aligned with the CRDC strategic plan priorities. The panels consist of up to 40 grower, consultant or ginning Member Representatives from every cotton growing region in Australia.

The Transgenic and Insect Management Strategies Committee (TIMS) functions as a cotton industry stewardship group, with broad representation from growers, research organisations, crop consultants and members of the pulse and grains industries. The agricultural chemical, biotechnology and seed companies that provide crop protection tools to Australian cotton growers approach the TIMS committee for advice on issues associated with developing or amending resistance management plans for new or existing technologies. Cotton Australia is represented by 6 grower representatives, the TIMS Committee Chair, the Chairs of the three technical panels and the Executive Officer.

The Cotton Industry Biosecurity Group (IBG) serves to ensure that the cotton industry’s responsibilities under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) are met. It is anticipated that the IBG will constitute 1 staff and up to 3 grower representatives of Cotton Australia as well as representatives from CRDC, Crop Consultants Australia, CSIRO, NSW DPI, QDAF and Plant Health Australia.