Australia
March 7, 2023
Australia’s leading field crop breeders and researchers are meeting in Adelaide with the ACB Breeders’ Week 2023 starting yesterday. Chair Tress Walmsley says the opportunity to meet collectively is crucial for the ongoing success of the Australian grains sector.
“This is a great opportunity for Australia’s top crop breeders to come together and cross pollinate ideas – pun intended!
“While different parts of the industry have traditionally met regularly, this is the first time we’ve all been together as part of multi-day conference, solely focussed on Australian field crop breeding and associated research.
“It is critically important for the future of the sector that we keep ahead of the needs of growers, in terms of field performance, and continue to meet the demands of our domestic and international end users.
“Without the best breeding efforts to enhance and create new crop varieties, the quality and value of Australian grains is at risk over the long term. “It’s the only way we’ll keep ahead.”
Australian Crop Breeders represents public and private organisations that generate new varieties of wheat, barley, canola, pulse, oat and other grains for Australian farmers.
The Breeders’ Week agenda includes crop specific pathology and research sessions, along with the CAIGE annual general meeting and a meeting for the Australian Cereal Rust Control Program Consultative Committee.
ACB is also taking the opportunity to gather its Members and guests on specific topics including the National Variety Trial system, as well as an Industry Day and an ACB Board meeting.
“We have around 120 people attending at various times across the five days,” Ms Walmsley continued.
“It’s a great result, and so good to be meeting in person, with so many of us together.
“Our breeders have extremely deep, world-leading levels of expertise, which is all aimed at supporting Australian growers and their markets with the best performing varieties.
“Events such as these allow us to share knowledge across the various breeding organisations and the sector more broadly.
“I am excited to see what emerges from this strong collaboration.”
Topics
Species
