AgForce president Peter Kenny said the next step is meeting with Minister Mulherin to discuss the details.

"We are broadly supportive of what the Minister is doing, on the proviso that industry is genuinely involved as part of the decision-making about the investment and re-investment of existing resources and facilities," Mr Kenny said.

"Investment in research and development is really important for the future of agriculture, and DPI&F needs to produce an outcome which maximise that investment."

In Townsville yesterday, Mr Mulherin outlined the 'A Fresh Approach' plan which is based on providing a coordinated skills training system for more people; attracting investment into agricultural science; and adapting services and service delivery to meeting the changing needs of the sector.

Mr Mulherin has said major changes were required in the department and he would not shy away from making the hard decisions necessary to ensure the best results for Queensland’s primary industries.

Mr Kenny said the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries currently has 50 research and development sites around the state and a consolidation of its facilities into centres of excellence for research and development, and education would not necessarily be a bad thing.

"A serious increase in research and development is needed if developing nations are to boost food production to overcome the looming global food crisis," Mr Kenny said.

"Our farmers are adopting technology and running efficient farm businesses that optimise production while minimizing environmental impacts, but we need to ensure there is continued investment in R&D if we are to boost production and productivity in the longer term."