Through their collaboration, the CRSPI Partners work together to:

• Identify key research organisations and specific skills and capacity
• Prioritise and direct their research funds on priority climate research
• Collate and disseminate relevant research findings
• Provide information and tools to their constituents to help them adapt their practices
• Communicate with government and policy makers on key climate change issues facing primary industries

Climate change demands a coordinated strategy to both reduce its severity and mitigate its impacts. An effective response from the sector to climate change is beyond the capabilities of one industry or group to deal with on its own.

While it is important for individual industries and organisations to address climate changes issues specific to them, CRSPI provides a ‘big picture’ view, enabling all stakeholders within the sector to work together.

In many ways, innovation is the key to success – it is the only way the sector will be able to prosper in a changing climate. Innovation comes from focused research and development.

CRSPI provides a platform for government and industry research providers to coordinate their efforts. It works to identify and stimulate opportunities for partner-led collaboration and investment. It also helps avoid wasteful duplication of work among partners.

CRSPI sits under the National Framework for Research, Development and Extension (RD&E). The CRSPI partners have worked collaboratively over the last 10 years, guided by a clear RD&E strategy, which is now in its third phase.

Strengthening the connection between RD&E investment and industry outcomes is the core value proposition for continuation of the partnership in Phase 3. To achieve this, the strategy includes:

• A focus on industry adoption and application of current and new research outcomes that build industry preparedness
• Research that demonstrates relevance to industry and policy
• Collaboration that leverages national and international science capabilities
• Communication and information that are shared among partners on industry, government policy and research developments
• Collaborative funding opportunities that are proactively identified and communicated to partners
• New knowledge that can be interpreted in the business context of primary industries

Three key focus areas have been identified:

• Focus Area 1: Adaptation
  Adaptation to a changing and variable climate.
• Focus Area 2: Reducing Emissions
  Emissions intensity and markets.
• Focus Area 3: Business & Policy
  Climate change in business and policy.

These focus areas will be addressed through RD&E collaboration and ensuring that relevant knowledge is shared among the partners and their constituents.

CRSPI operates through a Partnership Agreement and is governed by a Coordinating Group made up of CRSPI Partner representatives. AgriFuturesAustralia administers CRSPI and hosts the Secretariat.