Where egg producers’ levy has been invested
The Australian Egg Corporation Limited (AECL) makes investments in Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) on behalf of the Australian egg industry. We must, therefore, provide excellent outcomes, and excellent value for money.
AECL continues to strongly support basic and applied research through an open proposal round. This part of the program represents approximately 40-50% of the total R&D budget.
Preliminary proposals from interested research bodies are submitted to meet key research priorities set by AECL. The proposals are then assessed by the On Farm Innovation and Efficiency Industry Consultative Committee.
For details on how our funding process works, please see the Apply for funding page.
The following is a list of some our current R,D&E projects:
(Projects outlined by project name, industry outcome, investment area, R&D priority, and timing)
| Project | Industry outcome | Strategy investment area |
National R&D Priority |
Project timing |
| Egg industry training initiative |
Recognised industry training for transfer of skills through the development of a single-source, industry relevant training scheme. | TT | Innovation skills | 2010-2012 |
| Development of a tool to differentiate egg types |
Development of technology towards a low cost and robust tool that allows the identifi cation of eggs produced under different production regimes. | TT | Supply chain and markets; Technology |
2010-2011 |
| Dietary available phosphorus requirements of laying hens |
Enhanced egg production with respect to hen nutrition. Reduction in feed costs and environmental pollution. |
FH, ES | Productivity and adding value; Natural Resource Management |
2010-2014 |
| Primary industries undergraduate scholarship program |
Increasing the awareness of career opportunities in the egg industry to attract more graduates to the industry. |
TT | Innovation skills | 2010-2013 |
| AECL R&D program evaluation |
Knowledge and awareness of the return on investment in R&D across the suite of projects. |
All | Productivity and adding value |
2010-2011 |
| Producer diagnostics and communication tool |
Improved fl ock health and performance management, knowledge transfer and enterprise profi tability. |
FH, TT | Technology; Productivity and adding value |
2010-2012 |
| Hen transport and welfare assessment |
Improved understanding of the welfare effects of hens during transport. Obtaining critical information for land transport standards. |
AW | Supply chain and markets |
2010-2011 |
| Scoping a civil society governance scheme for egg production systems |
Informed decision regarding the applicability of a civil society certifi cation system to facilitate acceptance of all egg production systems |
AW, TT | Supply chain and markets |
2010-2012 |
| National poultry R,D&E capacity building project |
A collaborative strategy to secure access to critical research and development skills to enhance egg production and productivity. |
TT | Innovation skills; Productivity and adding value |
2010-2014 |
Animal welfare (AW); Environmental sustainability (ES); Feed availability & nutrition (FN); Flock health & disease management (FH); Food safety and human nutrition (FS);
Training, technology transfer and quality control (TT)
Apply for funding
Any organisation, company or individual is eligible for support to undertake R&D activity that addresses AECL's key long term and immediate research priorities.
if you believe you or your organisation have an idea that could maximise benefits and revenue for the industry and minimise costs, please apply for funding.