District ricegrowers are expected to benefit from a new $5 million investment to construct state-of-the-art breeding facilities near Leeton.
The facility will be built for Rice Breeding Australia Ltd - a joint venture between AgriFutures Australia, SunRice Group and the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia.
It will be funded by AgriFutures.
This investment includes a 528m² Apex Glasshouse and a bird-proof field nursery spanning three hectares.
These purpose-built facilities are designed to accelerate genetic gains in rice breeding, providing growers with faster access to new water-efficient rice varieties.
Established in 2022, RBA operates to transform the Australian rice industry.
By advancing innovation in rice breeding and deploying cutting-edge technologies, RBA general manager Dr Georgina Pengilley said the aim is to help the industry achieve the AgriFutures Australia Rice Program’s ambitious target of 1.5 tonnes of rice per megalitre of water (t/ML) by 2026.
She said the new infrastructure will be a game changer for the Australian rice industry.
“The facilities will double our program’s capacity to breed and test new rice varieties, significantly reducing the time it takes to deliver high-yielding water-efficient seeds to growers,” Dr Pengilley said.
“By combining innovative breeding strategies with state-of-the-art infrastructure, we’re building a more sustainable and resilient rice industry equipped to thrive under variable climate conditions.”
Rice grower and Rice Management Committee representative, Rob Massina, emphasised the importance of this investment for growers.
“A purpose-built facility in our backyard allows us to invest our levies in testing new varieties and innovations,” Mr Massina said.
“The variable climate we experience means we need rice varieties with greater flexibility in their growing season and methods.
“This investment ensures Australian growers can continue to produce the high-quality rice we are globally known for while adapting to changing market and environmental demands.”
RBA is a key initiative under the AgriFutures Rice Program, which balances research, development and extension priorities to support industry productivity, profitability and sustainability.
AgriFutures managing director John Harvey said the Australian rice industry has always been a global leader in water efficiency and needed to continue to demonstrate innovation in this crucial aspect of rice production.
“This investment in cutting-edge infrastructure will be transformative for the Australian rice industry,” he said.
“It will enable us to deliver improved seed varieties to growers faster, meaning levy payers can produce higher yields as well as save on water and potentially utilise it for other high value crops, ultimately enhancing overall profitability.
“As well as the benefit to levy payers, this project will enhance the industry’s ability to adapt to changing climate and consumer demand and grow more rice to feed the world.
“By strengthening the competitiveness of Australian rice in global markets, we’re ensuring long-term benefits for both growers and the environment. Any gains in water use efficiency are paramount to the ongoing success of the industry.”
Construction is expected to begin in the coming months.