About IREC

The Irrigation Research and Extension Committee (IREC) facilitates cross-industry collaboration and cooperation between all those connected with irrigated agriculture in the Murrumbidgee Valley – irrigators, researchers, industry, agencies, and government.

IREC provides a forum where the irrigator, the advisory officer and the research scientist work as a team to both identify and direct relevant and beneficial research and extension, and address issues and policies affecting services for the region’s irrigators.

Through these collaborative efforts, IREC has made significant contributions to improving the irrigation industry’s productivity, profitability and sustainability. Active in the Murrumbidgee Valley since 1939, IREC is backed by a strong and active membership.

Throughout our history, IREC has instigated many programs, trials and industry positions to support irrigated agriculture and horticulture in the MIA. Described as a “force for progress” in the 1960s, IREC’s function as a problem solver in the irrigation industry remains relevant today.

Vision

Working together for profitable and sustainable irrigated agriculture.

Mission

To support and enhance research and extension for continual improvement of irrigated agriculture.

Goals

  • Promote new and existing research for irrigated agricultural systems
  • Provide a network for irrigated research, development and extension
  • Influence research and extension policy
  • Be a recognised information hub for irrigated agriculture
  • Provide a forum for irrigators to share new and innovative research ideas.

Greatest achievements

IREC has been instrumental in solving many problems in the irrigation industry, working with irrigators and agricultural industries to find answers. Some of IREC’s greatest achievements are:

  1. Tile drainage – IREC initiated research into tile drainage in the area, a program which saved thousands of hectares of horticultural plantings after a prolonged wet period.
  2. Irrigated national variety trials – In collaboration with neighbouring irrigation groups, IREC initiated the large-scale evaluation of cereal varieties to identify high-yielding types and management requirements.
  3. Advocacy and appointments – IREC led the charge in the appointment of many extension experts such as agricultural extension engineers, weeds research officers and Italian liaison officers.

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