An innovative new $13.6 million plant protein project is set to position Australian growers and the nation’s processing sector to capitalise on growing consumer demand both nationally and across the world.
The four-year project is an initiative of the Victorian Government in partnership with GRDC, as well as key industry collaborators.
This week, Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the research project, which will be delivered at the Horsham SmartFarm.
The $13.6 million project includes $2.4 million from the Victorian Government, $8.8 million from GRDC invested on behalf of Australian grain growers, along with $2.4 million from industry collaborators.
Minister Spence said her government was committed to working with the grains industry to deliver innovative research to help all parts of the supply chain provide the plant-based protein options that consumers throughout the world are looking for.
The national project will involve a whole of value chain participation involving 13 subcontractors, food and ingredient manufacturers and processors, as well as an international partner. The information generated will assist Australian processors to reliably access pulse grains that have the correct quality attributes to meet market demands.
It will also help Australian pulse breeders develop varieties with quality traits that are market driven. This in turn will support Australian growers to grow pulse varieties matched to market demand and ensure consumers are getting the product they want.
GRDC Board Chair and southern grain grower Sharon Starick said GRDC was proud to support this critical pulse protein research.
“As GRDC seeks to optimise productivity and increase the production of pulse crops as part of profitable farming system for Australian growers, it is essential that Australian pulses are fit-for-purpose for existing and new markets,” she said.
“This national project seeks to maintain Australia's competitiveness and capitalise on emerging growth opportunities in value addition and provide opportunities to capture value from greater levels of onshore processing that attract higher premiums for growers as well as providing a diversity of markets.”
The project will capitalise on the growing plant-based protein market, with demand for these foods forecast to surpass $250 billion globally by 2035.
Importantly, this research has the potential to have far-reaching implications for Australia’s agricultural sector by improving grain functionality, which will support value adding and allow farmers to better meet market needs. These in turn is expected to generate new export opportunities and increase jobs along the supply chain.
Australia exports on average 2.5 million tons a year, making us the second largest pulse exporter in the world. More than 90 per cent of Australia’s pulses are exported as whole unprocessed grains, with prices defined by visual quality and used primarily for human consumption with a small proportion sold into the lower value, domestic livestock feed market.
Victoria is a major contributor to Australia’s pulse industry, generating $638 million in export income in 2022-23.
Pulse crops are seen as a valuable contributor to more sustainable and profitable farming systems by improving environmental and human health outcomes. Pulses also offer many human health benefits, including being a nutritionally dense food, a good source of both fibre and protein, low in fat, no cholesterol and a low glycaemic index.
Investment in pulse research is part of the Victorian Government’s Agriculture Strategy, which is working towards enhancing the commercialisation of research and innovation, ensuring our agriculture sector is stronger, more innovative, productive, and sustainable.