Independent, Australia wide testing of new winter crop varieties moves a step closer this week, with the appointment of a manager for the system and calls for expressions of interest in crop evaluation and/or pathology services.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is setting up the National Variety Trials (NVT) system in response to grower demands for independent testing of plant varieties.

Trials are planned to begin in 2005 and will involve winter cereals, canola and pulses.

“The GRDC is looking for parties interested in tendering for the supply of the practical services required for the trials – the basic crop evaluation itself and/or the necessary pathology services” corporation managing director, Peter Reading said.

“We will consider applicants on a regional, state, across-state and national geographic basis.  We will expect them to be independent of any breeding program and to demonstrate their capability and capacity to undertake the required services.

“Details of the requirements for expressions of interest are posted on the GRDC website, with the direct link: www.grdc.com.au/news/nvt.htm. 

Mr Reading said the key features of the trial system were:

• the separation of release and evaluation trials for commercially bred crops

• equal access to all breeding programs

• national coordination of trials, and

• collection of trial data into a national database at the Australian Crop Accreditation System (ACAS) for access by growers and their advisers, researchers and state agriculture departments.

The Australian Crop Accreditation System (ACAS) – initially founded in 1997 to develop accreditation protocols for public breeding and variety trials and incorporated as ACAS Limited in 2000 – would manage the National Variety Trials on the GRDC’s behalf.