WHILE the Government says funding to rural research and development has increased under Kevin Rudd, the country's top agricultural scientists will meet in Canberra next month calling for urgent action to avert "an imminent threat to food production in Australia".

Australian Institute of Science and Technology president, Geoff Thomas, says Australia's rural research and development effort was "shrinking" and his organisation is hosting a two-day workshop to help tackle the "crisis".

"This is a matter of national security," Mr Thomas said.

"Investment in agricultural research and development is the backbone of agricultural industry and has been a major factor in establishing Australia’s global standing as a major producer of quality food.

"But that standing and our ability to feed a growing population is being put at threat by the rapidly shrinking financial and human resources committed to food production and environmental management in Australia.

"The need for research support of rural industries has never been higher yet the resources committed to this essential effort are being run down."

The two-day event, "The Future for Agricultural Research, Development and Extension in Australia", will be held in Canberra on Thursday and Friday, March 11 and 12.

* For details contact (02) 6163 8122 or ceo@aiast.com.au