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Working with MLA

MLA funds off-farm research and development via the following funding methods.

  • Industry levies (matched with Commonwealth funding) from processors or producers, where these are mainly focussed on early stage strategic or applied reseach where no commercial or processor co-funding is available.
  • Co-funding via the MLA Donor Company, where Commonwealth funding will match cash funding from processors, value adders and other organisations such as potential innovation commercialisers.

Regardless of funding method, all MLA's research and development must be aimed at benefitting Australia's red meat industry, as well as addressing MLA's strategic and annual operating plans. 

MLA Donor Company

The MLA Donor Company (MDC) is a fully-owned subsidiary of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). The MDC provides a vehicle for attracting commercial and government investment in research and development. In 2009-10 this investment was $22.9 million.

The MDC was established in 1999 and since then has approved in excess of 400 contracts with expenditure exceeding $130 million. All parts of the Australian red meat supply chain have participated in MDC contracts including processors, value-adders, breed societies, large pastoral companies and technology providers.

Eligible projects can attract a maximum of 50 per cent matching funds from the Commonwealth Government for R&D. These matching Commonwealth funds can only be accessed for cash contributions that have been received by MLA on behalf of the MDC. In kind contributions are not eligible for MDC matching funds.

Applications for MDC funding can be accepted at any time and contracts can run over more than one financial year.

In addition the MDC has formed valuable international alliances that have assisted in accelerating Australia's access to valuable intellectual property at a much lower cost than would otherwise have been possible.

MDC initiatives are integrated with the overall objectives of MLA's five-year strategic plan as well as MLA's annual operating plans.

A key outcome of many MDC projects is the facilitated adoption of prototype innovations within a commercial environment.  This allows bridging the gap between strategic or applied research and full commercialisation, increasing the likelihood of successful adoption.

Benefits arising from MDC projects successfully commercialised include:

  • improved sustainability in and off farm
  • higher standards of occupational health and safety
  • new value-added products that facilitate access to new international markets and increased export earnings
  • enhanced employment opportunities for young professionals in the industry, and reduced production costs leading to a more competitive industry

MDC funding opportunities include:

  • Collaborative research and development projects, with MLA funding matched by cash contributions from external partners.
  • The Plant Initiated Projects program that allows AMPC levy paying members to access a percentage of their levies for research and development projects on their site.
  • MLA assisting collaborative partners to develop a comprehensive innovation strategy via the collaborative innovation strategy program.

Adoption & Commercialisation

MLA actively encourages the effective adoption and commercialisation of its research and development, as well as ensuring appropriate protection of any resulting intellectual property.