Western and South Australia will link their barley breeding resources to quicken the development of superior varieties. 

The Western Australia Department of Agriculture, University of Adelaide, South Australia Research and Development Institute and the Grains Research and Development Corporation have agreed to consolidate behind one breeding entity.

Consultation has begun with farming groups, grain handlers and marketers to direct the organisation’s focus. Other states have been encouraged to contribute to the process.

Barley breeding is especially challenging because besides agronomic, disease and pest considerations, new varieties must satisfy 35 other quality traits to qualify for malting grade.