ACIAR and the 2019-20 Federal Budget

The 2019-20 Federal Budget, presented on 2 April 2019, has allocated $107.7 million to the Australian Centre for International Research (ACIAR) to contribute to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods, through more productive and sustainable agriculture emerging from collaborative international research. An additional $19.5 million will be sourced from external funding partners, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

ACIAR supports Australia’s national interests by contributing to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction and enhanced regional stability, with a particular focus on economic diplomacy and women’s economic empowerment. ACIAR’s work aligns closely with Australia’s development assistance program, supporting research collaboration while emphasising human capacity building and private sector-led development, targeted at improved livelihoods in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

The agency works with public and private research institutions to improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems and the resilience of food systems in Papua New Guinea, Pacific Island countries and, in partner countries in East Asia, South and West Asia and Eastern and Southern Africa.

ACIAR’s mandate is to amplify the impact of Australia’s outstanding capabilities in agricultural science by brokering and funding agricultural research for development partnerships in developing countries.

In 2019-20, ACIAR will continue to develop long-term agreements for research collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on the Pacific. In most countries and regions, these agreements will put into effect a program of research collaboration that is more consolidated geographically and thematically. They will also detail the intent for co-investment by some countries. We will continue to maintain permanent representation in 10 countries.

Full details of country priorities and programs are available through ACIAR’s Annual Operational Plan.

Details on the full budget can be found via the Government’s Budget website.

ACIAR’s Portfolio Budget Statement is available via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.