GRDC Grains Research and Development : Finger on the pulse: Wagga presents latest research

With more than 30 years in domestic and global grain marketing, Ron Storey has seen a few grains market trends come and go.

Because of this experience and knowledge of Australia's grain customers, Mr Storey is regularly asked to provide a market outlook at industry conferences, both locally and offshore.

He says while the grain world can be dominated by wheat, corn and oilseeds, at the Grains Research and Development Corporations Research Update at Wagga Wagga he has been invited to speak on Australian pulses and their potential role in feeding a hungry world.

'This is an interest of mine, not only having been a director of Pulse Australia for over a decade, but because pulses have an exciting future as the world grapples with how we might feed everyone, and the great need for protein,' he said.

'There is an emerging global issue around sustainable food protein; will it come from animals or plants? The growth in demand for meat and dairy is undeniable, but the question of whether more of our protein might be plant-based is being debated.

'While pulses often don't get much of a mention in our industry, the pulse industry could be in the prime position to provide a protein source, which is viable, economic and sustainable in water usage and positive health outcomes.'

Mr Storey's address to the two-day GRDC Grains Research Update at Wagga Wagga will acknowledge the 2016 International Year of Pulses, and discuss growth areas and opportunities domestically and internationally.

'What a great time to talk pulses, with chickpea prices being $800-$900 per tonne during the International Year of the Pulse,' he said.

His address is one of many, with growers and advisors set to experience a unique opportunity to interact with leading industry professionals, to learn how GRDC-funded research programs are helping tackle some of the north's most pressing production challenges.

GRDC manager grower services, north Sharon O'Keeffe said the GRDC Updates were effectively a three-way conversation between northern growers, advisors and researchers.

'Growers and advisors gain an insight into the scope, progress and results of some of the GRDC's major research investments while for research partners, the Updates provide an invaluable touch-point with industry which ensures the research work remains practical, meaningful and well-targeted,' she said.

The program will also incorporate presentations on managing profitability and risk in a grain business, cereal and pulse agronomy, wheat cultivars, canola and pulse disease status and watch list for 2016 and local research results.

The Update will be held at Wagga Wagga on February 16 - 17.

Event details are available on the GRDC website.

For more information or to register for Wagga Wagga event, contact Matt McCarthy on 03 5441 6176 or email.

For Interviews

Sharon O'Keeffe
0409 279328
[e-mail]

Contact

Ellen McNamara, Cox Inall Communications
0429 897 129
[e-mail]

GRDC Project Code ICN00021

Region North