May 3, 2002

The release of soybean variety Cowrie provides growers on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, with the opportunity of obtaining the price premium available in the culinary trade. Cowrie ­ a weathering tolerant, light hilum variety ­ is the first culinary type but the seventh variety bred and evaluated for the north coast by NSW Agriculture.

Its predecessors were Nautilus (1989), Dune (1990), Manta (1991), Trochus (1994) and Poseidon and Zeus (1999).

According to New South Wales Agriculture Deputy Director-General, Richard Sheldrake, there is growing export and domestic demand for Australian soybeans, as products, like tofu and soy milk, are seen to be nutritious and healthy.

Contact Peter Desborough +61 02 6640 1670