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Breeding a better future for Australian agriculture - Bayer CropScience opens its Wheat & Oilseeds Breeding Centre near Horsham, Victoria


Australia
February 12, 2014

Bayer CropScience today opened its Wheat & Oilseeds Breeding Centre near Horsham, Victoria confirming an essential partnership between science and agriculture for the future success of our farmers.

The state-of-the-art breeding centre is the first of its kind in this country and will focus on developing wheat and oilseeds varieties with higher yields and productivity improvements specifically for Australian agriculture.

Bayer has invested $14 million in the centre which is located at Victorian agriculture education institution Longerenong College.

The centre will employ up to 20 staff and will work closely with the college’s agricultural training programs with an expectation to yield results for Australian farmers within a decade.

Dr Jacqueline Applegate, Managing Director Bayer CropScience, Australia and New Zealand says the breeding centre has injected inspiration and capital into the Wimmera region.

“Already we are seeing the positive impact the breeding centre is having on agriculture both locally and nationally,’’ she says.

“We believe in Science For A Better Life; already our partnerships with the Victorian State Government, Longerenong College, Workco Ltd, Wimmera Development Association and the Horsham Rural City Council are enabling this.

“Together we are developing new technologies so farmers can become even more efficient and more sustainable, and thus contribute to feeding this hungry planet.

“We are also addressing the skills shortage in Australian agriculture by enabling young people with both the technology and the opportunity to learn from our scientists at our state-of-the art facilities.’’

The opening of the breeding centre confirms Bayer’s commitment to the future of Australian farmers and a vision for a profitable, sustainable and respected agricultural industry.

The centre is targeting the development of new varieties with higher yields and productivity improvements tailored to Australian conditions.

The Victorian Government has invested $1.24 million to upgrade roads and improve access to the breeding station.

“Having Bayer established here in the Horsham district is of significant importance for the future advancement of crop production locally, nationally and globally,’’ says Cr David Grimble, Mayor of Horsham Rural City Council.

“Bayer was attracted to the Longerenong site due to an assured water supply and the security this brings to their work.

“The breeding centre will also further the economic development of the Wimmera region and will enhance opportunities for local industries, education and the community.’’

Enrolments at Longerenong College this year are at the highest in over a decade with 70 students under-taking full-time study – more than half of those being female – while total enrolments have almost doubled since 2007.

John Goldsmith, General Manager of Longerenong College, Victoria, says Bayer’s investment has enhanced learning opportunities and was attracting students to agricultural careers.

“The excitement and opportunities associated with the breeding centre are already being recognised by our college community,’’ college General Manager John Goldsmith said.

“There is no question the partnership with Bayer and the benefits through shared research opportunities are influencing the way young people view agriculture.”

 



More news from: Bayer CropScience Australia


Website: http://www.bayercropscience.com.au

Published: February 12, 2014



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