A research project developing crops that are resistant to climate change hangs in the balance, with up to 30 research job losses possible in Wagga Wagga and Tamworth, according to the Public Service Association [PSA].
The project is a partnership between the state and federal governments, announced five years ago to target the development of drought-resistant varieties.
A spokesperson from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) said the contract between the NSW DPI and Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) was due to end on June 30, with a new partnership being negotiated.
A GRDC spokesperson said the GAPP project had been a success and delivered significant value for grain grower levy payers, and was confident the negotiations with the DPI would result in a new partnership.
But a new agreement would depend on available funding, and PSA assistant secretary Troy Wright alleged the state government had pulled funds for the current program.
Partnership 'cut short'
Twenty jobs in Tamworth are under threat, and 10 in Wagga Wagga.
"[The partnership] has been cut short. It was announced five years ago but was started three to four years ago," Mr Wright said.
"It's been cut short because the state government — the Perrottet government — decided to withdraw its funding.
"It was a partnership between the federal and state governments and without the state government participating the program has collapsed."
Mr Wright said the research staff affected were still coming to grips with the news that they may not have jobs.
"Obviously they are highly specialised so that's going to be very difficult.
"This government has been very big about talking about jobs in the bush and these are jobs in the bush and every job in the bush supports the local economy."
Impact on crop research
Mr Wright said there would also be significant impacts on research if a new partnership was not put in place.
"Crops need to be adapted. We need to find ways that they can cope with the more difficult climate we are facing. This is a very vital role which is providing objective, qualified, professional research that's going to improve the industry."
In a statement to the ABC, the NSW Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said he was aware the NSW DPI was currently negotiating with the Grains Research and Development Corporation regarding a future partnership.
Mr Saunders did not say if existing jobs were safe.
