An independent National Variety Testing (NVT) program has been prioritised by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

NVT will address graingrowers' concerns at the perceived lack of independent evaluation of new varieties.

Quality testing and classification would remain the domain of the breeding companies. 

Historically, growers relied on state agricultural departments to test new varieties and provide comparative performance data.

According to GRDC Winter Cereal Improvement Program Manager, Richard Brettel, the system had to change once the public breeding sector was consolidated into three competing groups, each intending to compete for market share.

The GRDC expects the program to be operating by March 2005.