The AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program is seeking an experienced service provider to deliver effective and efficient industry extension, communication and adoption activities that assist the growth and development of Australia’s new and emerging rural industries.
Background
The AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program recognises that the extension, communication and adoption of research outcomes is crucial to growth and development within our industries.
Extension is a process of helps people use research to build knowledge and confidence, encouraging change and supporting effective implementation.
Adoption is the uptake and implementation of agricultural innovations, technologies, new ideas or existing ideas that are now relevant and applicable. Extension and communication are the tools to enable adoption, this project is to provide these extension and communication services whilst also monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these tools as well as (where possible) adoption.
Service requirements
The AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program (Program) is seeking an experienced service provider to deliver effective and efficient industry extension, communication and adoption activities that assist the growth and development of Australia’s new and emerging rural industries.
Additionally, we are seeking a provider who brings creativity and fresh thinking to extension, communication and adoption activities. The provider will be innovative, engaging and suggest tailored methods that connect with our diverse and varied stakeholders. Providers are encouraged to think outside the box and explore new formats, technologies or partnerships that can enhance reach, relevance and effectiveness.
The aim of the project is to increase the adoption of research and development (R&D) project outcomes within new and emerging industries. The project will increase the awareness of the Program’s research, development and extension (RD&E) investments to our industries and support a sustainable future for each industry. The project will improve knowledge, communication, cooperation and collaboration between growers, researchers, industry stakeholders and government bodies.
The project will be directly managed by the AgriFutures Adoption and Communications team. The project team will work closely with both the AgriFutures Adoption and Communications and Emerging Industries team, with regular meetings scheduled.
Dedicated extension and engagement services will be required for approximately six targeted new and emerging industries, to be advised during contract negotiations. Extension activities for other industries may be required on an ad hoc basis, therefore flexibility will be required. Industries will be a mix of animals, plants and aquatics; hence, the service provider will need to work closely with a range of stakeholders including industry, researchers and other technical experts to understand the target audience and develop relevant extension materials and activities.
It is anticipated that the time required for this project is 0.6 FTE.
Within the first eight weeks, the project team will be required to consult with the six target industries and work with the AgriFutures team to lead development of a detailed 12-month extension plan for each industry, based on input from producers, supply chain members, researchers, industry bodies and other key stakeholders. If there are complimentary activities being conducted by other organisations within one of the six target industries, collaboration is highly encouraged. These plans will be reworked annually with all annual 12-month plans including a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework to ensure the ability to measure success of the project outcomes and activities. Plans will be workshopped with AgriFutures Australia prior to commencing activities and must be reviewed and approved by AgriFutures Australia before any activities begin.
The appointed provider will then be responsible for delivering these 12-month extension plans. This will include active support of activities including field days and podcasts, identifying and promoting good news stories, and contribute to the creation of fact sheets and newsletter content. A key part of the role involves interpreting technical reports and translating them into accessible, practical advice for industry audiences. Travel will be required to fulfil these responsibilities and engage directly with stakeholders across regions. In addition, the provider will develop and maintain a comprehensive database of stakeholders and producers, which will remain the property of AgriFutures.
The project team must be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Delivery of effective and efficient extension, communication and adoption activities
- Project and database development and management
- Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
- Strong stakeholder engagement
- Extension and communications through various methods and channels.
The project is expected to run for approximately three years, with an annual performance review every 12 months to decide if the project will proceed into the remaining year(s). Project continuation will be at the discretion of AgriFutures Australia.
When preparing a budget for this proposal, you must complete the AgriFutures detailed budget template as follows:
- Financial Year 1 = 01/10/2025 to 30/06/2026 of 0.6 FTE salaries + expenses for example 12-month industry plan x 6
- Financial Year 2 = 1/7/2026 to 30/06/2027 of 0.6 FTE salaries + expenses for example 12-month industry plan x 6
- Financial Year 3 = 1/7/2027 to 30/06/2028 of 0.6 FTE salaries + expenses for example 12-month industry plan x 6
- Financial Year 4 = 1/7/2028 to 30/09/2028 of 0.6 FTE salaries + expenses for corresponding period
Timeline
| Date | Activity |
| 12pm (noon) AEST Tuesday, 16 September 2025 | RFQ – applications open |
| 12pm (noon) AEST Friday, 26 September 2025 | End of period for questions or requests for information |
| 12pm (noon) AEDT Thursday, 9 October 2025 | RFQ – applications close |
| Wednesday, 22 October 2025 | Intended completion date of evaluation of respondents responses |
| Wednesday, 22 October 2025 | Negotiations with respondents (if applicable) |
| Monday, 27 October 2025 | Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement |
| Monday, 3 November 2025 | Date of commencement of Project |
| Thursday, 31 August 2028 | Expected project completion date |
Terms of reference
AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia. These contracts and agreements set out the terms on which AgriFutures Australia will engage successful applicants to carry out the project.
Applicants must be familiar with the contracts and agreements before submitting a response and are advised to seek legal advice beforehand.
These contracts and agreements have been developed to reflect AgriFutures Australia’s statutory and other procurement responsibilities.
If you require any amendments to the standard agreement, please complete the statement of non-compliance for each of the relevant clause. AgriFutures will then assess those requests.
Applicants will be taken to have agreed to all clauses in the Research Agreement that are not referred to in a statement of non-compliance. The extent of any non-compliance will be a factor in AgriFutures Australia’s evaluation of the application.
If you require further information regarding these contracts and agreements please, contact:
Stephanie-Kate Bratton
Legal Counsel, AgriFutures Australia
stephanie-kate.bratton@agrifutures.com.au
Contact
If you have any questions about the RFQ process, please contact:
Emma Grabham
Senior Manager, Adoption & Communications
Emma.grabham@agrifutures.com.au