Australia’s 6.6 million tonne barley industry must more than double production, increase average yields from two tonnes per hectare to 2.6 t/ha and expand the growing area from 3.3 million hectares to 5 - 5.3 Mha to satisfy expected demand increases by 2020.

To help barley growers achieve this, key research organisations involved in barley breeding have recommended the development of a national barley breeding program, to be named Barley Breeding Australia (BBA).

Foundation BBA participants include: the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), WA Department of Agriculture, SA Research and Development Institute, NSW and Victorian Departments of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the University of Adelaide.

According to GRDC Managing Director, Peter Reading, BBA will be underpinned by a national market focused business plan and determined to achieve best operating practice in barley breeding.

The program will establish close ties with industry, including growers, Barley Australia, maltsters and the newly established Livestock Feed Grain Users Group.

“To maximise positive outcomes, BBA will embrace a whole of industry approach, taking strategic direction from Australia’s multi-billion dollar barley industry, which had a farm-gate value of $1.5 billion in 2004/05 and total value chain worth substantially more.

“The breeding program will recognise the synergies and efficiencies of a nationally co-ordinated approach to breeding, establishing clearly defined performance targets and deliverable outcomes, while addressing stakeholder needs and ensuring the barley industry’s future prosperity.

“A strong consultative relationship will be established with Barley Australia as a conduit for market signals to feed back into the breeding program,” Mr Reading said.

BBA’s interim Board, comprising representatives of all signatories, will capture national grower stakeholder inputs and consult with industry at a national level to reflect the needs of all sectors.

Three regionally managed breeding nodes, west, south-east and north, will be established.

“BBA will co-ordinate the development and release of new varieties, ensuring there are appropriate protocols and will endorse new varieties in consultation with Barley Australia,” Mr Reading said.

The BBA Management Committee will ensure intellectual property issues do not impede operations, giving breeders full license and freedom to operate and access germplasm, markers and software. It will also establish benchmarks and key performance indicators to monitor the program’s performance.

“By the end of July, the Committee will be discussing plans for BBA with grower bodies and industry, including grain exporters, domestic and export maltsters, brewers and feed grain users. The results of this consultation will be critical in finalising barley breeding arrangements going forward,” Mr Reading said.