Request for Partnering: Building out the Nitrogen Mission

⁠⁠⁠Summary

Australian grain growers are among the most innovative in the world but need a breakthrough in nitrogen (N) management. GRDC has been investing in new frontiers in nitrogen management for many years and is well positioned to scale up that investment in a structured, long-term, and strategic manner via the building out of the Nitrogen Mission. The recent fertiliser supply crisis exemplifies the need to do so. Specifically, GRDC has ambitions to decrease long-term (historical) N costs as a percentage of crop revenue by 50% or more, halve current N losses to the environment, and decrease emissions intensity associated with N usage by at least 20%.

In the process GRDC aims to build out world-leading research capacity and science and technology innovation in N management in the Australian grains industry. The opportunity for partners is to coinvest with GRDC in delivering a breakthrough that unlocks major economic, social, and environmental benefits in the Australian grains industry, and potentially, other agricultural markets internationally. Even a 15% reduction in long-term nitrogen fertiliser costs while maintaining yields is estimated to deliver over $1 billion AUD of value to Australian grain growers through improved gross margins and reduced financial risk.

As a partner, GRDC is one of the world’s leading grain research organisations. GRDC has a large existing research and development (R&D) portfolio in N and related areas, extensive research, development, and innovation networks in Australia and internationally, a strong balance sheet, and a long-term outlook. Australia is also an ideal market to incubate, develop, and scale world-leading technologies in N management given the culture of innovation, technology adoption, and adaptability in the Australian grains industry. The information below describes the opportunity for partners in more detail and the process involved.

Offer period

Offers will remain open for acceptance by the GRDC for a period of 6 months after the Closing Time.

Document contact and enquiries

Attention: Brianna Oram

Grains Research and Development Corporation

Email: tenders@grdc.com.au

Make all requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement in writing (email) prior to 28 July 2026.

GRDC will publish all requests and responses to requests on the GRDC website under Questions and Answers at the bottom of this webpage.

Enquiry deadline:

Tuesday 28 July 2026, at 05:00 PM (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

Industry briefing:

An industry briefing will be conducted on Monday, 18 June 2026 at 2pm Canberra local time. Refer to Clause 10 RFP Terms and Conditions on how to register.