The review reported that the GGIP program was strongly supported across the industry.

SRDC chair Ian Knop said that the review found that the initiative is giving growers who are interested in new technology, staying up to date and keeping their business viable a chance to test their ideas.

"The biggest industry gains from the program would appear to be more rapid adoption of practices and farming systems," Mr Knop said.

"The proof of this is in the final reports of completed projects."

One group who investigated the implementation of controlled traffic found that in the new farming system they could reduce the costs of planting operations by up to 57pc.

Another group who investigated peanut production in the cane break period showed an increased gross margin in excess of $1500 per hectare compared with traditional bare fallow.

"The benefits are wide reaching. GGIP people have successfully worked with researchers and extension staff in onfarm, farmer-driven trials which have resulted in mutual and broader industry benefits," he said.

"In terms of individual impact, the growers who were involved reported an increase in their confidence and skills in planning, managing and promoting on-farm research."

The work undertaken on-farm by growers has a high level of credibility amongst growers.

Growers and their groups have been active in spreading project findings of their projects though field days, open days, bus trips, farm walks and the GIVE farmer conferences.

Industry members who were interviewed as part of the review said "it is a great concept as the farmers' do the research etc in their own working environment which I believe results in a more realistic result" and the initiative is "needed for industry survival".

While the review was positive overall it did suggest a number of improvements for the GGIP initiative.

Feedback from participants suggested that while some found reporting to SRDC easy enough, for others it was very time consuming.

The lack of women recognised as participants in the program was flagged as an issue.