The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has thrown its support behind a project to develop new wheat varieties designed to improve human health and reduce the incidence of diabetes and obesity.

GRDC Chairman Terry Enright said the GRDC would contribute one third of the research costs in an incorporated High Amylose Wheat Joint Venture (HAWJV), to undertake the development and commercialisation of a high-amylose wheat.

High-amylose wheat starch has an amylose content of greater than 50% (existing wheat varieties amylose content ranges between 20% and 30%). When combined in baked products and pasta, these properties make it extremely effective in tackling the problems of obesity, Type 11 diabetes and colorectal cancer. HAW has high levels of resistant starch and a lower glycaemic index than current wheat varieties.

The two other partners in the Joint Venture are the CSIRO and Biogemma (a subsidiary of Limagrain).

Mr Enright said while the GRDC was a latecomer to investing in high-amylose wheat, he congratulated the CSIRO and Group Limagrain for investing in the development of the technology over the last decade to a point where a commercial product was now in sight.

“We can clearly see the opportunity for the industry to provide higher margin specialised grain products for Australian farmers to grow for our markets,” he said.

“This is consistent with the GRDC’s role to invest in new technology to ensure that the Australian grains industry remains competitive and financially sustainable by participating in new higher, value markets.”

Mr Enright said national research priorities established by the Australian Government which, with growers, provides the GRDC’s funding, included promoting and maintaining good health, improving industry competitiveness and developing ‘frontier’ technologies.

“The beauty of the joint venture is that it meets all of these priorities,” he said. “The health claims of the technology addresses key dietary issues of bowel health; the science involves leading-edge technology using the CSIRO-developed RNAi gene silencing techniques; and the participation of Group Limagrain provides the market signals and expertise to develop the products for market.

“GRDC surveys tell us growers are very interested in new products and varieties that will increase their income opportunities to assist their competitiveness in both traditional markets and new market segments.

“To deliver these results and benefits the GRDC recognises that it must partner with the best research organisations and partners in the value chain.”

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