Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP) is marking five years of growth, collaboration and research since its formation.
Created from the amalgamation of Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation (EPARF) and Lower Eyre Agricultural Development Association (LEADA), AIR EP was established to create a single, farmer-driven organisation focused on applied agricultural research, innovation and extension for the region.
AIR EP is today a farmer-led organisation delivering research outcomes and industry partnerships to benefit the region’s farming communities.
Chairperson Bill Long said strong leadership was central to the organisation’s success.
“Having a skills-based board with expertise across strategic planning, legal, financial, HR, project management and engagement has enabled us to make considered decisions that benefit local growers and the wider agricultural community,” he said.
“We have excellent staff that maintain a diverse range of skills and experience, which sees AIR EP easily engage with our extensive range of industry stakeholders, while delivering results to both our farming network and funding organisations we deal with.”
Executive officer Naomi Scholz highlighted the vital role of farmers and partners in AIR EP’s five years.
“Farmers are instrumental to our organisation. Not only do they provide strategic direction at Board and Committee level, but they are our highest priority when planning local trials, research extension activities and regional events,” she said.
“We are proud of our partnerships with researchers including EPAG Research and the SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre, our funding partner Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board, national funding bodies, independent agronomists and local resellers. Together, we’re driving change and delivering practical solutions.
“We are working to increase connectivity with independent advisors and local reseller networks, as we recognise the vital role they play in the decision making within farming businesses. They provide valuable feedback regarding grower needs and with them, we work to provide support for meaningful research to help explore new ideas and increase the speed of adoption of new practices.”
Since 2020, AIR EP has managed nearly $10 million in agricultural research investment across the region.
Projects have focused on a range of areas, including: soil amelioration strategies for low-production areas; integration of lentils into EP farming systems; trials of virtual fencing for land management; tools to mitigate frost risk; support for addressing magnesia patches, Mallee seeps and acid soils; development of an active Young Farmer Network; and regional events bringing national experts to the EP.
AIR EP will start development of its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan in August.
It will build on past successes and identify new opportunities for research investment.
A key focus remains increasing regional research capacity.
AIR EP continues to lead an intern program, recently securing a fifth year of funding from the South Australian Grain Industry Trust and the SA Drought Hub.
Expressions of interest are now open for the 2026 Grains Research Intern program.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey – our team, members, sponsors, researchers, partners and the farming community,” Mr Long said.
“I’m incredibly proud to lead AIR EP, and with strong farmer involvement, we’ll continue to meet the challenges ahead and grow opportunities for agriculture across the Eyre Peninsula.”
