The state of Victoria has its finger on the pulse

The Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has announced $2.4 million towards a new research project at the Horsham SmartFarm with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

“We’re working with the grains industry to deliver innovative new research that will put Victorian producers at the forefront of the growing plant-based protein market,” Spence said.

“This research will help Australian farmers to better meet market needs, strengthening export opportunities and increasing jobs along the supply chain.”

The GRDC invested $8.8 million on behalf of Australian grain growers, and $2.4 million from industry collaborators.

The four-year project will help Australian pulse producers develop varieties with traits that are driven by market demand. It will involve all parts of the pulse supply chain, including 13 subcontractors, food and ingredient manufacturers and processors, and an international partner.

The project will be designed to capitalise on the growing plant-based protein market, with demand for these foods forecast to surpass $250 billion globally by 2035.

Australia exports on average 2.5 million tonnes of pulses a year, making it the second largest pulse exporter in the world. More than 90% of Australia’s pulses are exported, with prices defined by visual quality, and used primarily for human consumption with a small proportion sold into the lower value, domestic livestock feed market. Victoria is a major contributor to Australia’s pulse industry, generating $638 million in export income last financial year.

GRDC Chair Sharon Starick said: “This national project seeks to maintain Australia’s competitiveness and capitalise on emerging growth opportunities in value addition, and provide opportunities to capture value from greater levels of onshore processing that attract higher premiums for growers as well as providing a diversity of markets.”

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