GRAINGROWERS Limited (GGL) will transfer its Sydney-based technical and analytical services – formerly the Bread Research Institute – to the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre Limited (AEGIC).
In a statement released today, GrainGrowers says the transfer will result in considerable consolidation of Australia’s grain quality and processing research and development efforts.
It will also expand AEGIC’s technical capacity for baking and provide the Perth-based, national body with a substantial east-coast presence.
GrainGrowers chief executive officer Alicia Garden said GrainGrowers and AEGIC already worked together closely and the transfer was the next step in the relationship.
“When GrainGrowers acquired BRI in 2008, AEGIC had not been established,” Ms Garden said.
“Now AEGIC plays an important role in applying science to ensure our grains continue to produce the noodles, breads, cakes, pastries and other products our customers require.
“This transfer will increase the efficiency of Australian baking research by ensuring AEGIC and GrainGrowers are not duplicating industry services.”
AEGIC chair Terry Enright said the legacy of BRI would continue under AEGIC.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for AEGIC to build on the successes of the GrainGrowers technical team and benefit from their significant expertise,” he said.
“The strong relationship between AEGIC and GrainGrowers provides valuable linkages across the whole industry from on-farm to in-market, and I believe this will deliver real value to farmers and other industry stakeholders.
“The combination of AEGIC’s west coast operation and the excellent team working at North Ryde will create one of Australia’s largest grain research laboratories.”
The laboratory will remain at its North Ryde premises.
GrainGrowers’ 16 technical and analytical services staff will take up new employment with AEGIC.
GrainGrowers’ remaining Sydney-based team will relocate to an office in the CBD.
GrainGrowers also maintains a Canberra office.
Ms Garden said GrainGrowers’ focus would continue to be on advocating policy and trade and market access issues of importance to grain farmers and to provide opportunities for skill development across the sector.
AEGIC is a not-for-profit, public company established by the Australian Government’s Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia in 2012.
AEGIC’s purpose is to support the trade and use of Australian grain through science, technology and innovation.
