Australia: The setting up of Barley Breeding Australia would double industry size

The formation of Barley Breeding Australia (BBA) by GRDC, the Western Australia Department of Agriculture, South Australia Research & Development Institute, New South Wales and Victorian Departments of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the University of Adelaide will double the size of Australia's 6.6 million tonne barley industry to satisfy the demand increases by 2020, according to the Seedquest report of 21 September.

GRDC has outlined its plan for consolidation of grains R&D that is a key to delivering the anticipated massive growth. Terry Enright, GRDC Chairman, said aligning plant breeding programs across Australia would deliver better varieties faster and was a way to position the industry better to meet this challenge and maximize returns.