Sardi Plant Research Center

The South Australian Research and Development Institute – SARDI – delivers robust scientific solutions for primary industries.

SARDI Overview: capability statement and key contacts 

SARDI is the State Government's principal research institute, a research division of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA).

Scientists create opportunities to position agricultural, food, aquatic and bioscience industries as internationally competitive and ecologically sustainable.

SARDI addresses these priorities or barriers to growth throughout its science programs:

• value-chain linkages
• food security
• natural resource and climate adaptation
• product integrity requirements
• innovation capability and enabling technologies
• supplier competitiveness
• biosecurity

SARDI multi-disciplinary research capability is organised into dedicated science programs within key research divisions:

• Aquatic Sciences: algal production systems; aquaculture, inland waters and catchment ecology; marine environment and ecology; oceanography and wild fisheries.
• Livestock and Farming Systems: farming systems; intensive livestock production systems (pigs and poultry); food safety and innovation; animal reproduction; pasture improvement.
• Sustainable Systems: climate applications; entomology; plant and soil health; viticulture; water resources and irrigated crops; crop improvement (including oat and vetch); new variety agronomy (wheat and barley, pulses and oilseeds).

Central to SARDI's success is an energetic, capable, willing and progressive team of scientists with distinctive knowledge. They are a unique blend of brilliant, creative and experienced minds, excelling in their fields and supported by impressive facilities and a network of regional research sites.

SARDI values

• Scientific excellence 
• Progressive, economic and technologically advanced methodologies
• A contemporary outlook to constantly evolve to meet client needs
• A collaborative spirit
• Accuracy and timeliness
• Courage and humility
• Professional and ethical standards
• Care for people and the environment
   

Momentum through collaboration

SARDI carries out research for commercial clients and government and industry funded initiatives and every year SARDI attracts more than $40 million in external research grants and commercial receipts.

The organisation is also a leading focus for business and industries to initiate collaborative research planning.

Current collaborative projects include projects with universities, research organisations, cooperative research centres and industry partnerships.

SARDI has a successful track record in commercialisation. Commercial opportunities can be accessed via various commercial models.

SARDI facilities

• SARDI pursues excellence through an extensive network of research centres, laboratories and field sites. Regional sites provide significant opportunities for regional employment, community capacity building, technology transfer and industry development.

Strategic directions

SARDI's scientific outcomes contribute to South Australia's Strategic Plan (external site) targets relating to the economy, the environment and science innovation.  Science programs are also aligned to the State Government's Science Plan (external site) to:

• meet specific industry priorities
• increase productivity and economic performance
• pursue innovation in environmental industries
• attract investment and develop critical infrustructure. 

SARDI's business directions for its science programs are outlined in

• SARDI Directions 2010 (PDF 804.7 KB)

SARDI's mission, values and strategic plan are outlined in

• SARDI Strategic Directions 2004–2008: Positioning for Future Success (PDF 2.2 MB)

Organisational structure

SARDI's Chiefs and Management Team are shown on the

Organisational Chart (PDF 137.4 KB)