CSIRO, the International Wool Secretariat (IWS) and the Armidale Development Corporation (ADC) have initiated an international search to find a suitable partner to share world-class science facilities at Chiswick, NSW.

The Chief of the CSIRO Division of Animal Production, Dr Oliver Mayo, said that every effort was being made to find a major research agency or private corporation with strong rural interests.

"CSIRO and IWS will work with the Armidale Development Corporation and other stakeholders to identify a suitable partner to share the magnificent facilities and ensure they continue to be used in the best interests of the Australian grazing industry."

Dr Neil Evans, Manager of the IWS Technical Adoption Team, said he fully supported the search for an outside partner who could maximise the use of the Chiswick field station and laboratory facilities in the interests of the industry.

Dr Mayo appealed for rural stakeholders to help in the search. It was essential now to look to the future, to partners and fresh opportunities rather than revisit the past, he said.

"It is always difficult when cuts have to be made, and CSIRO recognises the loss to the industry of research capacity at Chiswick -- but it was brought on by an 80 per cent reduction in industry support over the past five years."

Dr Mayo said Chiswick had achieved a number of notable scientific advances, in areas such as pasture productivity, parasite control, wool quality, animal nutrition and controlled release technology.

Direct approaches had already been made to a number of companies and research agencies, while international consultants will be retained to broaden the search around the world.

More information: Dr Oliver Mayo, CSIRO 02 9840 2833 Dr Neil Evans, IWS 03 9341 9192 Mr Sam Ponder, ADC 067 71 1147