Soybeans for specific regions & specific markets Denis M’Gee Executive Officer, Soy Australia Ltd IN A NUTSHELL z Soy Australia is a new industry organisation representing soybean growers, processors and end-users. z The organisation will be an active partner in the Australian National Soybean Breeding Program – ensuring the availability of new varieties of high yield and desired quality suited to Australia’s production environments. z Soybean growers are encouraged to become members of Soy Australia, and have their say in the development and advancement of the industry. Soybean growers in the Riverina, and around Australia, are set to benefit in the paddock, at the processors and in world markets, with the formation of a new industry organisation – Soy Australia. The Australian soybean industry is undergoing significant change as it moves from an established industry based on crushing and animal feed, to the higher value and higher quality edible markets. To capitalise and further advance the development and growth of the Australian soybean industry, Soy Australia has been established as a joint venture between the three regional soybean organisations – Northern Australia Soybean Industry (NASIA), North Coast Oilseed Growers Association (NCOGA) and the Riverina Soybean Growers Association (RSGA). The new organisation will promote the interests and development of the Australian soybean industry; and it aims to become the national voice for all sectors of the Australian soybean industry including breeders, growers, processors and end-users. New variety development A key activity of Soy Australia is to work in partnership with the members of the Australian National Soybean Breeding Program (ANSB) and its commercial partners to develop new varieties that will benefit all sectors of the soybean supply chain. The key objectives of the breeding program are to: l assist the industry to reach its full potential by developing soybean varieties with wider adaption, regionally targeted fitness, yield and agronomic traits Region specific varieties Soy Australia is the licensee for the Bunya, Stuart, Fraser and Snowy varieties. While the first three varieties have been developed for northern NSW and Queensland, Snowy was specifically bred for the Riverina and northern Victoria. Snowy is the first variety developed with both yield and culinary grade quality combined for production in southern environments. In comparison with other varieties such as Djakal, Snowy has been shown to have similar yields and other important agronomic traits required for a southern variety. It is an early maturing variety, a trait that helps it avoid frost damage and autumn weathering. The early maturity also enables harvest and residue management to be complete so a winter cereal can be sown in the same autumn. Snowy exhibits a different type of phytophthora resistance, providing genetic diversity for resistance to phytophthora root rot. In line with the aims of Soy Australia, Snowy’s quality in relation to tofu texture sets it apart from other varieties with the highest gelling score against all tested varieties. Snowy is recognised by Japanese markets as a preferred tofu variety, and can provide growers with a quality premium over other varieties and types. There are a number of varieties potentially suited to the Riverina and northern Victoria, still at early breeding stages, which will further address disease resistance and yield responsiveness. Regional variety trials l combine these traits with end-user requirements, including the higher value culinary markets l develop improved linkages with commercial partners and the wider soybean industry. This year, in cooperation with the Australian National Soybean Breeding Program, Soy Australia has sponsored a number of new variety trials across southern NSW. Approaching the end of the breeding pipeline are several new varieties that Soy Australia hopes to commercialise in 2011. The national breeding program is a joint venture of CSIRO Plant Industry, Industry & Investment NSW and the Grains Research & Development Corporation. The program aims to develop Australian soybeans that match culinary type with the production environment. Soy Australia’s role in the partnership will be to commercialise the new varieties released from the program. A further two varieties, L023B-23 and L023B-43, are also showing similar responses, and may even be marginally better than the 99091A lines. These two lines combine the yield and maturity of 6 Variety 99091A-7 combines the yield of Djakal with the superior quality of Snowy and phyto resistance. It is also earlier maturing than Snowy, an important tool for irrigators. IREC Farmers’ Newsletter – Large Area No. 182: Autumn 2010 organisations advancing soybeans Djakal with a higher protein. Both varieties are showing excellent quality for the high premium culinary market. Capitalising on increasing demand The increasing demand for edible soybeans is underpinned by growth in western diets for healthier foods and the recognition of soybeans’ ability to provide these health benefits. This has seen soybeans move into the mainstream market as a foodstuff and an ingredient in a variety of foods. Health conscious consumers are choosing soy milk, soy based drinks and dairy-free soy products as the basis for many common daily food replacements. In addition many nutrition and dietary organisations are linking soy with a number of health benefits including heart disease reduction. There is also a growing demand from Asian countries, including Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, for Australian culinary soybeans. Japan alone imports almost half a million tonnes of tofu grade soybeans each year. At present North America supplies these markets. However, Australian soybeans are well positioned as a premium product at this market’s top end. This export opportunity is based on Australia’s reputation for high quality, identity preservation, non-GM (genetically modified) and an outstanding food safety record. In particular the expansion of GM elsewhere in the world has opened a niche human consumption market for Australian soybeans. IREC Farmers’ Newsletter – Large Area No. 182: Autumn 2010 Soy Australia will continue to investigate and research these emerging markets and to promote Australian soybeans as a premium alternative to North American varieties. Soy Australia will also continue to promote and support the growth of soybeans as a crop alternative so that Australian growers can access these export markets with a consistent annual export surplus. Soy Australia will provide the key link between the breeding program, growers and processors. The board and management team of Soy Australia welcome input and feedback from all stakeholders in the Australia soybean industry. To have a voice in the advancement and development of the Australian soybean industry, growers are invited to join over 200 existing members of Soy Australia in this exciting new venture. Further information For details about the organisation and information about membership, please contact Denis M’Gee T: 02 4981 8690 M: 0400 722 260 E: [email protected] 7
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