Grains industry gets a needed boost

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Grains industry Image credit: morgueFile User: danielito

The Victorian Coalition Government and the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) have joined forces to assist the grains industry take advantage of unprecedented demand from Asian and Middle Eastern markets, according to the latest media release from the Premier of Victoria.

Grains industry Image credit: morgueFile User:  danielito
Grains industry
Image credit: morgueFile User: danielito

AEGIC was established as a research, development and market intelligence organization by the Western Australian Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation to build national research capacity in areas vital to the export grains sector’s success.

Peter Walsh, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, said the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and AEGIC would develop market intelligence and other key information to help the industry connect to crucial markets around the world and boost exports.

“Under this agreement DEPI and AEGIC will provide the industry with information such as quality requirements of specific markets, crop yield and quality estimates, the emergence of new markets and niche opportunities,” Mr. Walsh said.

“Providing this market intelligence to industry will work in combination with our market development activity and targeted research and development program to increase on-farm productivity and enhance our growers’ international competitiveness. This will place Victoria in prime position to take advantage of rapidly growing international demand and will lead to more Victorian grain being exported around the world.”

Adertisement

According to Mr. Walsh, dramatic rise in shipments to Asia and the Middle East in recent years have resulted in grain now being Victoria’s most valuable agricultural export commodity, with an 18% increase to $2.19 billion in 2012-13.

“This unprecedented demand for grain presents significant opportunities for the industry and it’s vital we provide our grains producers with the best possible information and assistance to make the most of that potential,” said Mr. Walsh.

Richard Price, AEGIC Managing Director, said AEGIC’s capability as a national center of research excellence would complement DEPI’s trade and investment activities.

“The two agencies will work closely together on projects of mutual interest with the ultimate goal to return increased value to producers,” Mr. Price said.

“The opportunity extends AEGIC’s national footprint and in particular bolsters the team’s knowledge in relation to pulses and Middle Eastern markets by drawing on DEPI’s comprehensive knowledge in these areas.”