Australia
July 15, 2008
This week the
GRDC will begin industry
consultation on a proposed model for wheat variety
classification going beyond December 2008.
Wheat classification is the categorisation of wheat varieties
into grades based on processing and end product quality. The
Classification Process aims to deliver grain of consistent
physical quality, processing performance and end-product quality
to customers and end-users.
Earlier this year AWB International Limited (AWBI) and the
Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) reached
agreement to put in place transitional arrangements that allowed
the current wheat classification arrangements to continue during
2008.
GRDC and AWBI are sharing the costs of the operation until 31
December 2008 allowing wheat breeding organisations to take
advantage of the grading service.
GRDC Managing Director Mr Peter Reading said these arrangements
were consistent with the final recommendations made by the Wheat
Industry Expert Group (IEG) that management of the varietal
classification process be undertaken by GRDC.
“These interim arrangements were designed to give clarity and
confidence to industry during a period of change, ” Mr Reading
said.
However, following the introduction of changes in Australian
wheat marketing arrangements on July 01, 2008, the GRDC has
agreed to the management of wheat variety classification beyond
2008.
“We are now able to move forward with development of a new model
for the management of wheat classification in 2009 and 2010.”
AWBI General Manager Mr Ed Collis said there is strong support
from Australia’s wheat industry — including wheat breeding
organisations, seed industry companies and marketers — for the
current classification process.
“We are working with AWBI to preserve the best elements of the
current system whilst developing a management model that
incorporates representation from all players in the wheat
industry,” said Mr Reading.
The timeline for consultation on the new wheat classification
model being proposed beyond December 2008 is tight, as the new
arrangements need to be in place before the end of the year.
The proposed model is on the
GRDC website.
Type “classification” into the search field or go directly to
www.grdc.com.au/wheatvarietyclassification. |
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