A new Victorian research program will help pulse producers develop varieties with traits that are driven by the market
Victoria’s pulse production is set to be boosted by new research that will help solidify Australia as an industry leader and meet growing global demand for plant proteins.
The state government has invested $2.4 million towards a new research project at its Horsham Smart Farm with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
“This research will help Australian farmers to better meet market needs, strengthening export opportunities and increasing jobs along the supply chain,” agriculture minister Ros Spence says.
“It will put Victorian producers at the forefront of the growing plant-based protein market.”
GRDC invested $8.8 million on behalf of Aussie grain growers and $2.4 million from industry collaborators in the project.
The four-year national project will help pulse producers develop varieties with traits that are driven by the market – supporting farmers to cater for specific demand and ensure consumers are getting the product they want.
It will involve all parts of the pulse supply chain, including 13 subcontractors, food and ingredient manufacturers and processors, as well as an international partner.
Demands for the plant-based protein market are forecast to surpass $250 billion globally by 2035, with Australia currently placed as the second largest pulse exporter in the world.
Australia exports an average of 2.5 million tonnes of pulses a year, and more than 90 per cent of pulses have their prices defined by visual quality.
They are used primarily for human consumption with a small proportion sold into the lower value, domestic livestock feed market.