Mark Hoskinson would like to see GRDC decentralised to Wagga to keep services at the "coalface".

Industry sources say a “hub and spoke” model will be adopted meaning GRDC will remain headquartered in Canberra with field staff in regional areas. 

The news comes after Wagga put up a strong case for the organisation to move here. 

The deal could have resulted in 75 full-time jobs.

“If the rumours are true it is disappointing but we should continue to keep decentralisation on the agenda for rural and regional Australia,” said Kikoira farmer Mark Hoskinson of “Fernleigh”.

“It would have cast a wider net over the growing region rather than being city focused,” he said. 

“I thought the farmers groups would have been behind it … it has all been a bit limp wristed.”

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says no decisions will be made until the end of the year. 

He was aware of the “hub and spoke” model. 

“Wagga will be the hub and other locations can be the spoke.” 

“I haven’t seen much wheat grown in Canberra … you don’t see crops springing up around Barton,” he said.

“I think it is crucial that for GRDC’s benefit and for industry research benefit, for farmers benefit and not least the regional economy that the bulk of GRDC moves to Wagga,” he said. 

NSW Farmers grains committee chairman, Dan Cooper, Grenfell said the hub and spoke model puts more services in regional areas. 

“I think putting GRDC closer to the levy payers would be a massive win rather than pork barreling just one town,” he said. 

“With hub and spoke approach senior management stay in Canberra and grower services could move to regional areas.”

NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen said it was important any potential moves were backed by a strong business case.

He said decentralisation had to be cost effective and beneficial for the entire industry.