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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:
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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
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combine these traits with end-user requirements, including
the higher value culinary markets
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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
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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: soy@australianoilseeds.com
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