The project was established in response to grower support to promote the adoption of new technologies into sound management practices in the Balonne rivers irrigation area, St George to Dirranbandi. As part of the Cotton CRC extension program it involved the development of a framework of regional trials/demonstrations (in liaison with researchers) as part of a group adoption process to facilitate better communication between farmers, advisers and researchers from government and agribusiness.

The Industry Development Extension Officer would co-ordinate demonstration trials, take a

role in information transfer with the region's growers associations and assist grower direct

and respond to gaps in the current research base as well as adapt existing technology to local needs.

The adoption of new technologies, AWM, IPM and BMP play a large role in meeting the cotton industry's objectives of maintaining and promoting the most sustainable and profitable practices, for benefit of the industry as a whole and the communities/areas where cotton is grown.

In earlier times much research was left on the shelf by growers because of the perception that it was not applicable in their situation or locality. Many growers carry out on-farm trials and demonstrations to help them fine tune management. An extension officer takes a role as an intermediary enabling this on farm trial and demonstration work to continue on a co-ordinated basis as well as ensuring the latest research is incorporated into these trials.