New barley variety to provide increased export opportunities

14/02/06
Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance today launched a new malting barley which has the potential to give Western Australian growers increased sales into export markets in China and Japan.
The new barley has distinct malting characteristics which meet the demands of the domestic and international malting markets.
"WA has consolidated its position as the major barley producing State in Australia, accounting for 33 per cent of the national crop in 2004-05," Mr Chance said.
"The value of WA's barley exports was $461million, and the value of malt exports was another $52million.
"With such a strong focus on exports, it is vital our barley industry has the best varieties available to ensure we maintain and grow our market share of world barley trade."
The Minister said the new variety, WABAR2175, would be known as Vlamingh, continuing the tradition of naming new malting barley varieties in honour of significant explorers of WA's coastline.
Willem de Vlamingh was one of the first explorers to chart a significant part of the coast, from Rottnest to Dirk Hartog Island, more than 300 years ago.
"Vlamingh is suited to medium and high rainfall regions in WA and demonstrates improvements in agronomic performance and disease resistance," Mr Chance said.
"Because the variety has a high grain yield potential and good grain plumpness, I believe Vlamingh will be keenly sought after by WA's barley growers."
The Minister urged growers to place orders for 2007 as soon as possible as it was expected the new variety would be over-subscribed.
Mr Chance said the development of new varieties such as Vlamingh played a key role in a sector where the state was enjoying great success.
"The successful partnerships which have been developed between the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Western Malting Barley Council have played a significant role in WA developing a reputation for producing quality malting barley," he said.
"The State Government is providing new opportunities for Western Australians."
Seed of Vlamingh is available under an exclusive national license to the Grain Pool of Western Australia in association with COGGO Seeds and Graintrust.
Minister's office: 9213 6700