CSIRO has purchased 290 hectares of land at Boorowa in New South Wales for its agricultural research programme.

Minister for Industry and Science, Ian Macfarlane said the purchase of the new property will see CSIRO continue its investment in agricultural sciences, with a purpose-designed research farm.

“Agricultural science and technologies which improve the competitiveness of Australian agribusinesses are an important part of CSIRO’s research,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“The purchase of the new farm in Boorowa ensures CSIRO’s research will continue and will better enable CSIRO to develop and deploy the latest in sustainable farming science and technology into the site.”

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the purchase was great news for the region.

“Boorowa is one of Australia’s most significant areas for primary production and I am delighted its reputation will continue to be synonymous with agricultural excellence," Mr Taylor said.

“Breakthroughs in technology have defined Australian agriculture. Hosting the customised farm research facility will ensure a long and beneficial relationship between the region and CSIRO.”

CSIRO Agriculture Director Dr John Manners said that CSIRO will continue its world leading agricultural science from the new farm.

“Establishing a new facility in a rural area allows us to take a green field approach to the site and our science,” Dr Manners said.

“This can enable us to conduct research into very new ways of farming, including the application of digital farming technologies. The new site is approximately 100 kilometres from our current site, allowing our Canberra researchers to continue their field trials on the new site.”

The purchase of the Boorowa property comes after CSIRO’s announcement of a request to the National Capital Authority to include the Ginninderra property as ‘Urban Area’ on the General Policy Plan for Metropolitan Canberra in the National Capital Plan draft amendment to be released for consultation in September 2015.

“The Ginninderra site has contributed to major progress in Australian science through the work of our programs in developing novel grains and sustainable and productive agricultural systems,” Dr Manners said.

Mayor of Boorowa Shire Council, Wendy Tuckerman said the purchase of a farm in the local government area was fantastic news for the region.

“The purchase of the land in Boorowa by CSIRO has been a big win for the region,” Mayor Tuckerman said.

“We hope that this purchase brings researchers, scientists and staff to the region and pays dividends for both CSIRO and the community. We look forward to working with CSIRO into the future for the best outcomes of the region and the country.”